earmuff

American

[eer-muhf] / ˈɪərˌmʌf /

noun

either of a pair of often adjustable coverings for protecting the ears in cold weather.

earmuff British

/ ˈɪəˌmʌf /

noun

one of a pair of pads of fur or cloth, joined by a headband, for keeping the ears warm

"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 earmuff

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; ear ¹ + muff

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.

He took out a set of earmuff hearing protectors and put them on.

From Washington Post • Jun. 7, 2019

No wonder Fisher’s Leia—with that bisque complexion, those tender-soft yet sparkling eyes, and yes, that earmuff hair—is one of the most enduring images of 1970s and 1980s pop culture.

From Time • Dec. 27, 2016

The Princess Leia effect is mainly seen in hair – not the absurd earmuff buns, but the plait headband worn in The Empire Strikes Back, which is very Keash braid bar.

From The Guardian • Jul. 26, 2015

If the Beatles made England swing for the young, then Bond was a travel-poster boy for the earmuff brigade.

From Time • Oct. 5, 2012

She’s got big leather earmuff things on, and she’s leaning toward the screen, using her pointer finger to click the mouse.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

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