earphone

[eer-fohn]

noun

1. a sound receiver that fits in or over the ear, as of a radio or telephone.

2. Usually earphones. a headset; headphone.

earphone

/ ˈɪəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. a device for converting electric currents into sound waves, held close to or inserted into the ear

Word History and Origins

Origin of earphone¹

First recorded in 1920–25; ear ¹ + phone ¹

Example Sentences

The wireless earphones will feature "Live Translation," which allows users to hear in their preferred language on their AirPods.

Read more on BBC

“I was back in New York, and I was walking down the street and a guy looked up at me, pulled earphones out of his head and said, ‘Hey … you’re on my iPod!’

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In Stuart's earphones has been a podcast detailing the brutality of the Eastern Front in World War Two.

Read more on BBC

Here was a middle-aged woman, fresh off a run, casually clutching a pair of earphones in her hand while she placed an important work call.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Small portable radios were common, but they didn’t sound good and usually came with just a small earphone that went in one ear.

Read more on NewsForKids.net