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earshot

American  
[eer-shot] / ˈɪərˌʃɒt /

noun

  1. the range or distance within which a sound, voice, etc., can be heard.

earshot British  
/ ˈɪəˌʃɒt /

noun

  1. the range or distance within which sound may be heard (esp in the phrases within earshot, out of earshot )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of earshot

First recorded in 1600–10; ear 1 + shot 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It could easily be mistaken for an expression of anger, but watching how others in the area—pedestrians, other drivers—react, it’s a signal: a warning to anyone within earshot that ICE is moving through the neighborhood.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

Of course, like-minded groups can shout it out later out of your earshot.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

People may appear happy for you on the face of it, but they may not be so generous when your sons are out of earshot, especially if friends, family or acquaintances need money.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 24, 2025

A line of police buses stopped them reaching the gates, but a stage and loudspeaker ensured their voices would soar above Gwanghwamun square and within earshot of US President Donald Trump's representatives.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025

Ben said, but his father was out of earshot.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.