earflap

American

[eer-flap] / ˈɪərˌflæp /

noun

either of a pair of flaps attached to a cap, for covering the ears in cold weather.

earflap British

/ ˈɪəˌflæp /

noun

Also called: earlap. either of two pieces of fabric or fur attached to a cap, which can be let down to keep the ears warm
zoology a small flap of skin forming the pinna of such animals as seals

"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 earflap

First recorded in 1855–60; ear ¹ + flap

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.

The league requires players to wear batting helmets with a front earflap.

From New York Times • Jul. 15, 2021

“The line’s bigger today because of Petit Mutant,” says the earflap guy ahead of us in line.

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2017

Struck in the earflap of his helmet, Gomez had already passed the concussion protocol and hoped to play Monday night in Detroit.

From Washington Times • May 17, 2015

Jerry Hairston Jr. hit a two-run homer for the Dodgers, who survived a scare when Matt Kemp was hit by a pitch from Chatwood, the ball deflecting off the earflap of his helmet.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2013

The plaid flannel shirt made a jacket unnecessary while the muffler guarded exposed Reilly skin between earflap and collar.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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