ear defender

noun

: a device (such as an earplug) designed to lessen the transmission of excessive or damaging sound to the auditory receptors of the inner ear

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ear defender was in 1915

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ear defender

Cite this Entry

“Ear defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ear%20defender. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!