earworm

[ eer-wurm ]

/ ˈɪərˌwɜrm /

Informal.

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noun

a tune or part of a song that repeats in one’s mind.

verb (used with object)

to work (itself or its way) into a person’s mind: The Pepsi jingles have earwormed their way into my head.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of earworm

First recorded in 1980–85; loan translation of German Ohrwurm “catchy tune, earwig”

Words nearby earworm

ear tuft, earwax, earwig, earwigging, earwitness, earworm, ear wrap, EAS, ease, easeful, easel

Other definitions for earworm (2 of 2)

earworm²

[ eer-wurm ]

/ ˈɪərˌwɜrm /

noun

corn earworm.

Origin of earworm

First recorded in 1880–85; ear² + worm (in the sense “small creeping animal”)

How to use earworm in a sentence

The upbeat earworm “Oxytocin” sees the singer trying out a techno sound paired with vocals reminiscent of Karen O during her Yeah Yeah Yeahs era.
Billie Eilish’s ‘Happier Than Ever’ Is a Rebellion, a Wink—and a Demand for Respect|Jordan Julian|July 30, 2021|The Daily Beast
“ASAP” may not be the type of instant earworm that its predecessor, “So Bad,” was, but its charm is undeniable once the song’s melodies take hold.
The Best K-Pop Songs of 2021 So Far|Kat Moon|July 1, 2021|Time
Both of these songs are earworms that might’ve been top 10 hits in a different place or time.
What’s the Song of the Summer for 2021? Here Are Our Predictions|Kat Moon|June 23, 2021|Time
There are earworms that could double as self-refilling serotonin boosters, while other songs are heart-splitting epiphanies about love, grief, community, and pride.
The Dazzling ‘In the Heights’ May Be the Best Movie Musical in Decades|Kevin Fallon|June 11, 2021|The Daily Beast

The opener, “Perfect Us,” is an upbeat earworm as singer Kuhoo Verma — who dexterously tackles all three tunes — is enveloped in a green-screened collage of Americana.
Digital theater productions highlight the power of art without an audience|Thomas Floyd|May 7, 2021|Washington Post
From Lorde to Daft Punk, DJ Earworm seamlessly edited a mashup of the 25 biggest hits of 2013.
Benedict Cumberbatch Reads R. Kelly, Ron Burgundy Interviews Peyton Manning, and More Viral Videos|Julian E. Wright|December 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“Cups” has had the unlikeliest of journeys to summer earworm.
10 ‘Song of the Summer’ Contenders From Daft Punk to Ciara (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|July 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But in the 1990s, the English word "earworm" gained the meaning "a song or melody that keeps repeating in one's mind."
New Words Added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary: ‘Man Cave,’ ‘Sexting,’ and More|Kory L. Stamper|August 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The newer sense of "earworm" is actually influenced by the German word for this phenomenon—a word that translates to "earworm."
New Words Added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary: ‘Man Cave,’ ‘Sexting,’ and More|Kory L. Stamper|August 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
"Earworm" has been around for quite some time to refer to a pest that burrows into the ears of corn.
New Words Added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary: ‘Man Cave,’ ‘Sexting,’ and More|Kory L. Stamper|August 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for earworm

earworm

/ (ˈɪəˌwɜːm) /

noun

informal an irritatingly catchy tune

Word Origin for earworm

C20: from German Ohrwurm earwig

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012