earphone

noun

ear·​phone ˈir-ˌfōn How to pronounce earphone (audio)
: a device that converts electrical energy into sound waves and is worn over or inserted into the ear

Examples of earphone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Experts have recommended that people concerned about their cellphone radiation exposure use earphones or switch to texting. CBS News, 13 Sep. 2023 Bottom line The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds fill out the company’s line-up of earphones in style. Andrew Williams, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 The signal is also quite a bit louder than is typical for true wireless earphones. PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024 In the last five years, many smartphone makers, including Apple, Google and Samsung, stopped shipping phones with basic accessories like earphones and charging bricks, a shift that increased their profit margins. Brian X. Chen, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 Listening to music via earphones during treatment can help. Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2024 For comparison, the Liberty 4 NC earphones last 8 hours per charge with ANC on and store up to 32 extra hours in the case. PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024 Headsets, headphones, and speakers Enlarge / Jabra's Elite 75t noise-canceling true wireless earphones. Chuong Nguyen, Ars Technica, 17 Aug. 2023 Wireless Earbuds for $199 (was $249) at Amazon Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones for $477 (was $549) at Amazon Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) for $150 (was $169) at Amazon Audio: Headphones, speakers, and soundbars Enlarge / Jabra's Elite 3 true wireless earphones. Chuong Nguyen, Ars Technica, 22 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earphone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earphone was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near earphone

Cite this Entry

“Earphone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earphone. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

earphone

noun
ear·​phone ˈi(ə)r-ˌfōn How to pronounce earphone (audio)
: a device that changes electrical energy into sound waves and is worn over or inserted into the ear

More from Merriam-Webster on earphone

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