earplug

[eer-pluhg]

noun

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

earplug

/ ˈɪəˌplʌɡ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of earplug¹

First recorded in 1900–05; ear ¹ + plug

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on BBC

Earlier this month the Conservative MP Neil Shastri-Hurst called in parliament for an independent inquiry into the extent of hearing loss linked to the earplugs and other potentially defective equipment.

Read more on BBC

When Ibrox turns on its own like this, there's a temptation to put in the earplugs and don the crash helmet.

Read more on BBC

The claim alleges the earplugs suffered from a design defect which meant they were unable to form a complete seal in the soldier's ear.

Read more on BBC

People living near Land's End have been advised to buy earplugs due to a lighthouse's on-the-blink fog horn.

Read more on BBC