First recorded in 1595–1605
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Seldom have 58,000 people, uniformly this vocally delighted and expressive, produced such an ear-piercing sound.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023
Hunter was met with ear-piercing screams as she emerged with nine-year-old niece Isabella holding her hand.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2023
“We basically decided to have fun this time,” said Kim, whose stern expressions, owl-eyed glasses and ear-piercing shouts to her teammates on the ice made her a fan favorite during the Pyeongchang Games.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 11, 2022
The Brood X cicadas have already begun to rise from their underground lairs, and people across 15 Northeastern states will soon have free tickets to swarms of ear-piercing performances.
From Washington Times • May 5, 2021
David runs in a tight circle, flailing his arms, his mouth wide in another ear-piercing howl.
From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord
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.
