earbud

American  

[eer-buhd] / ˈɪərˌbʌd /

noun

1. a small earphone that fits in the ear.

   the best earbuds for your cell phone.

---

earbud British  

/ ˈɪəˌbʌd /

noun

1. a small earphone worn in the ear for use with audio devices

---

Etymology

Origin of earbud

First recorded in 1980–85; ear ¹ + bud ¹

Example Sentences

When I called out, they pulled an earbud halfway out and said, “Sorry, I just have to get to class.”

From Slate

“It was that earbud that provided geo-tracking right to the suspect’s Jensen Beach home,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

From New York Times

Use one earbud to listen if you’re worried about keeping a partner awake.

From New York Times

There’s also the earbud issue.

From Seattle Times

“Forty percent of my students have at least one earbud in when they walk into class,” Black said.

From Seattle Times