earshot

[eer-shot]

noun

1. the range or distance within which a sound, voice, etc., can be heard.

earshot

/ ˈɪəˌʃɒt /

noun

1. the range or distance within which sound may be heard (esp in the phrases within earshot, out of earshot )

Word History and Origins

Origin of earshot¹

First recorded in 1600–10; ear ¹ + shot ¹

Example Sentences

At least that’s what some on the force have taken to calling the veteran Internal Affairs detective, usually out of earshot.

From Los Angeles Times

The parents had not wanted their kids to hear the conversation — and figured they were out of earshot.

From Los Angeles Times

Every part of L.A. is within earshot of thunder today, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In September all gigs were cancelled after residents living within earshot of the music filed a legal complaint over the noise.

From BBC

Agathe’s vomiting on Oliver's shoes is not an auspicious start, nor is calling him “unbearable, arrogant, and totally stuck up” within earshot.

From Salon

Related Words

• area 
• dimension 
• field 
• length 
• matter 
• scope 
• space 
• spectrum 
• territory