earphone

[ eer-fohn ]

noun

1. a sound receiver that fits in or over the ear, as of a radio or telephone.
2. Usually earphones. a headset; headphone.

earphone

/ ˈɪəˌfəʊn /

noun

1. a device for converting electric currents into sound waves, held close to or inserted into the ear

Word History and Origins

Origin of earphone¹

First recorded in 1920–25; ear ¹ + phone ¹

Example Sentences

After charging the earphones for about 30 minutes—when I first opened the case, the LED lights signaling that the buds were ready to go weren’t illuminated—I removed the earbuds from the case.

From Popular-Science

At $25 a pair, the Skullcandy Dime earphones are unapologetically cheap.

From Popular-Science

It’s hard to say which wireless earphones are best because there are so many great options.

From Popular-Science

To easily skip songs, adjust the volume, answer phone calls and activate Siri, the twistable digital crown is seamlessly displayed on the earphones.

From Popular-Science

Unless, of course, you have the AirBuddy, which lets you see the current status of your earphones right away by opening its case next to your Mac.

From Popular-Science

In the Philippines, during Apocalypse, Brando had an earphone thing where they fed him lines.

From The Daily Beast

He hastily concentrated on the spot, and in a few seconds music flooded into the earphone.

From Project Gutenberg

His desk transmitter buzzed and Trigger took it on an earphone extension.

From Project Gutenberg

Crag called experimentally into the earphone, without answer.

From Project Gutenberg

Paul took off his selectorscope spectacles with the earphone attachments.

From Project Gutenberg

He removed the little radio from his pocket, unplugged the earphone, and put the radio on top of the cereal.

From Project Gutenberg