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

Starting off, Woot has excellent prices for some of Sony’s top-of-the-line headphones — both for those who prefer over-ear cans and true wireless earbuds.

From The Verge • Aug. 20, 2022

Sony WH-1000XM4 $250 $350 29% off These over-ear headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now.

From The Verge • Jul. 28, 2022