ear tag

1 of 2

noun

: a metal identification tag attached to the ear of an animal

ear-tag

2 of 2

transitive verb

: to mark (an animal) for future identification with an ear tag

Word History

Etymology

Noun

ear entry 1 + tag

Transitive verb

ear tag

First Known Use

Noun

1876, in the meaning defined above

Transitive Verb

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ear tag was in 1876

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 tag

Cite this Entry

“Ear tag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ear%20tag. 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!