earsplitting

[ eer-split-ing ]

adjective

1. ear-piercing:

   an earsplitting explosion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of earsplitting¹

First recorded in 1880–85; ear ¹ + splitting

Example Sentences

As I stepped into the main building that housed Unit C, an earsplitting siren blared suddenly and a dozen strobes flashed.

From The Daily Beast

An earsplitting crack was followed by a mosquito-like voice singing in the wilderness.

From Project Gutenberg

This earsplitting racket continued, he says, without interruption for two days.

From Project Gutenberg

Above the earsplitting thunder of the eruption he heard shrill cries and raucous shoutings.

From Project Gutenberg

The automatic radiation safety equipment filled the ship with an earsplitting buzz of warning.

From Project Gutenberg

They were halfway out on the reef when the plane leveled out of its dive with an earsplitting whine.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blaring
• deafening
• noisy
• piercing
• ringing
• shrill
• thunderous