over-ear

American  

[oh-ver-eer] / ˈoʊ vərˌɪər /

adjective

1. made to rest on top of or fit around the ear. Compare in-ear.

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noun

1. over-ears, a set of headphones or similar audio equipment designed to rest on top of or fit around the ear.

Example Sentences

The new over-ear headphones, built on Apple’s H2 chip, will include smart features, improved Active Noise Cancellation, and better sound quality, the company says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Esports players compete with over-ear headphones to make sure they get immersive surround sound from the game, and can hear their team-mates.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2025

And style influencers have been democratically tying bows on everything from over-ear headphones to bag straps to headbands.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2024

In contrast to the plastic AirPods, the AirPods Max are a large pair of over-ear headphones that offers stainless steel earcups with a curvy mesh headband.

From The Verge • Sep. 10, 2022

Image: Apple In contrast, the over-ear AirPods Max offer physical controls.

From The Verge • Sep. 10, 2022