ear-piercing
adjective
extremely harsh and irritating to the ear.
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ear-piercing
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ear piercing
ear piercingnounthe making of a hole in the lobe of an ear, using a sterilized needle, so that an earring may be worn fastened in the hole
ear-piercing
American
[eer-peer-sing]
/ ˈɪərˌpɪər sɪŋ /
adjective
ear piercing
British
noun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of ear-piercing
First recorded in 1595–1605
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.
See Examples For:
As Stankiewicz attempted to utter another sentence, the train’s ear-piercing horn sounded.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
The only construction activity was a truck that dumped loads of crushed rock, making an ear-piercing screech.
From New York Times ● May 31, 2023
There were ear-piercing screams when she took to the field and a standing ovation when she left.
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
David runs in a tight circle, flailing his arms, his mouth wide in another ear-piercing howl.
From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord
Claire's is known for selling jewellery, colourful accessories such as necklaces and bracelets, and is part of millions of young people's memories for its ear piercing services.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2025
It’s the second bankruptcy filing in seven years for the chain, which was once the go-to destination for ear piercing and cheap jewelry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2025
Tiffany Smith, the outreach coordinator for the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, said the procedure is about as invasive as getting an ear piercing.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 28, 2020
He has short hair, a subtle ear piercing that looks like a staple, and the healthy tan of someone who works and surfs several months a year in Latin America — which he does.
From Seattle Times ● May 31, 2019
“The Butterfly had an ear piercing that wasn’t on era.”
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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.
