earring

[eer-ring, -ing]

noun

1. an ornament worn on or hanging from the lobe of the ear.

earring

/ ˈɪəˌrɪŋ /

noun

1. an ornament for the ear, usually clipped onto the lobe or fastened through a hole pierced in the lobe

Other Word Forms

• earringed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of earring¹

before 1000; Middle English erering, Old English ēarhring. See ear ¹, ring ¹

Example Sentences

In other years, she and her friends might have exchanged earrings or other trinkets.

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I enjoyed the unremarked-upon tension of Will returning home from London with a hip haircut and an earring.

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Add in a bubble-covered crown and earrings, plus a shiny prop wand?

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The character, played by Pam St Clement, was beloved by viewers for more than 25 years for her no-nonsense personality and memorable taste in earrings.

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Art lovers will also clock two sculptures by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, holding court in between the earrings and blankets.

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Related Words

• bracelet 
• brooch 
• costume 
• gem 
• glass 
• gold 
• jewel 
• knickknack 
• necklace 
• ornament 
• pendant 
• silver 
• tiara 
• treasure 
• trinket