headset

American  

[hed-set] / ˈhɛdˌsɛt /

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.

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headset British  

/ ˈhɛdˌsɛt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of headset

First recorded in 1920–25; head + set

Example Sentences

One of the most popular images is a photograph of Jeff Bezos observing a Blue Origin mission, wearing a headset with his arms crossed, his gaze locked on the screen in front of him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Shearn did 95% of the driving, all with zero visibility, using a noise-canceling helicopter headset.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

He was congratulated by one colleague but then threw his headset on to a sideline bench at Levi's Stadium, sat down and gazed skywards.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Carroll, another defensive mind, was on the headset for Seattle’s lone Super Bowl victory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

“Mom, pass the phone,” Jasmin demands, reaching for the computer headset.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

Related Words

• headphone
• headphones