earwax

noun

ear·​wax ˈir-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

Examples of earwax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Factors that lead to hearing loss can include damage to the inner ear and the buildup of earwax overtime, the medical organization adds. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 7 Jan. 2024 The shots from that doorbell camera are low-grade grainy and the audio sounds stuffed with earwax. Outdoor Life, 29 Nov. 2023 Step one is to get any earwax or other crud, like dust and dirt, off your buds. Julia Ries, SELF, 27 July 2023 For most people, earwax will either ooze or fall out of your ear over time or wash away in the shower, Erin McNeely, MD, an internal medicine physician at Spectrum Health, told Health. Korin Miller, Health, 4 Aug. 2023 However, for older people, earwax often grows exponentially and causes a blockage. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023 After frequent handling and uses, dirt and earwax can build up on the ear tips and cause irritation or infection if not cleaned frequently. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2023 The upbeat track, shared exclusively via Billboard below, features a slew of crazy tasks that Hailey is ready to take on, including using her earwax to make a candle, win a contest for World’s Cutest Pet Rock and teaching a cat to play piano. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 May 2023 For example, wet or dry earwax? Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earwax.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earwax was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near earwax

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

earwax

noun
ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: a brownish yellow or orange waxlike substance produced by the glands of the external ear

Medical Definition

earwax

noun
ear·​wax ˈi(ə)r-ˌwaks How to pronounce earwax (audio)
: the yellow waxy secretion from the glands of the external ear

called also cerumen

More from Merriam-Webster on earwax

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