headset

[hed-set]

noun

1. a device consisting of one or two earphones with a headband for holding them over the ears and with a microphone attached, used for telephone calls or other spoken communication over distance.

   One of the coaches on the sideline threw his headset to the ground and started yelling at the ref.

2. earphones or headphones.

   The house DJ set up a mixer and a mic, put on his headset, and got the party started.

3. Also called HMD. Also called Head Mounted Display,. a visor, goggles, etc., worn on the head and over the eyes to display digital content, as for virtual reality or augmented reality: The army will begin using the extended reality headset for live combat missions as well as training.

   A mid-range VR headset will have resolution comparable to more expensive headsets, but a smaller field of view.

   The army will begin using the extended reality headset for live combat missions as well as training.

headset

/ ˈhɛdˌsɛt /

noun

1. a pair of headphones, esp with a microphone attached

Word History and Origins

Origin of headset¹

First recorded in 1920–25; head + set

Example Sentences

It includes devices already widely available such as smartwatches and headsets that do not directly interact with the brain, but instead measure indicators providing an idea of the user's mental state.

Read more on Barron's

It will cost $20,000 but it does come with a caveat - the WSJ reported it was actually controlled by a person wearing a virtual reality headset.

Read more on BBC

Powers and his family listened over headsets to an English translation.

Read more on Literature

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, opened a new flagship store in Los Angeles where people can try out their smart glasses and virtual reality headsets while learning about local culture.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Oh, did I mention Neo had a human puppet master, controlling it with a VR headset?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• headphone 
• headphones