earful

[eer-fool]

noun

plural

earfuls 

1. an outpouring of oral information or advice, especially when given without solicitation.

2. a sharp verbal rebuke; a scolding.

earful

/ ˈɪəfʊl /

noun

1. something heard or overheard

2. a rebuke or scolding, esp a lengthy or severe one

Spelling Note

See -ful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of earful¹

First recorded in 1915–20; ear ¹ + -ful

Example Sentences

Either way, the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Zone 0 Advisory Committee will likely get an earful of comments during its public meeting Thursday at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Executives at Texas Roadhouse got an earful about the pending shortage during October meetings with restaurant managers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Atkins remains optimistic about her adopted home state, notwithstanding her unsuccessful run for governor and the earful of criticisms she heard along the way,

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They know their worth, and they will give you an earful, especially if you threaten the people they love.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It's far from the first time since Election Day that Stewart has given the Democrats an earful.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• comment 
• fabrication 
• falsehood 
• gossip 
• hearsay 
• hoax 
• innuendo 
• lie 
• news 
• report 
• scandal 
• story 
• suggestion 
• tale 
• whisper 
• word