earplug

American  

[eer-pluhg] / ˈɪərˌplʌg /

noun

• earplugs
  plural

1. a plug of soft, pliable material inserted into the opening of the outer ear, especially to keep out water or noise.

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earplug British  

/ ˈɪəˌplʌɡ /

noun

1. a small piece of soft material, such as wax, placed in the ear to keep out noise or water

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• earplugs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of earplug

First recorded in 1900–05; ear ¹ + plug

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

earplug earplugs

Trendy earplug brand Loop released a “Paris Pink” collaboration with Paris Hilton.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

"Then, when you go to put it in your ear, pull on your ear lobe with the opposite hand to open up the ear canal, insert the earplug and let it fully expand."

From Science Daily ● Jun. 10, 2026

Separately thousands of military veterans are taking legal action against the MoD and an earplug manufacturer after being given ear protection they say was faulty.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2025

Beyond the earplug litigation, 3M in June agreed to pay at least $10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over contamination of many U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially harmful compounds.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 29, 2023

So then Makann did all the talking; they couldn't even depend on him to parrot what they were giving him with an earplug phone.

From Space Viking by H. Beam Piper

I showered, collapsed on a bed that didn’t require earplugs or a ladder, then went shopping for non-REI clothing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

These negative effects were largely absent when earplugs were used.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 4, 2026

Advocates alleged that it was meant to drive the jornaleros away, though some of the workers decided to stay and wear earplugs.

From Slate ● Jan. 27, 2026

Lottie is looking forward to spending time with her family this Christmas, but says one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her earplugs - especially during Christmas dinner.

From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2025

Tree frogs alone make you wish for earplugs.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd