earpiece

noun

ear·​piece ˈir-ˌpēs 

1

: the part of an instrument (such as a telephone, stethoscope, or hearing aid) that is placed against or inserted into the outer opening of the ear

especially : earphone

2

: one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears

Examples of earpiece in a Sentence

the earpiece of a stethoscope

Recent Examples on the Web

The sound quality from the earpieces was deep and rich, and the headset was comfortable on my head. —Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2022

But unlike the AirPods 4, this pair comes with multiple silicone earpieces for a better, more comfortable fit. —Emily Abbate, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024

By half past two, the bleachers are packed; a helicopter tracks the scene overhead as men and women with earpieces make quickening tours. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024

That’s thanks to a layer of foam, which conforms to the shape of your ear (and seven different earpiece sizes). —Emily Abbate, SELF, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

earpiece

noun

ear·​piece -ˌpēs 

: a part of an instrument (as a telephone) that is placed against or in the ear

especially : earphone

Medical Definition

earpiece

noun

ear·​piece ˈi(ə)r-ˌpēs 

1

: a part of an instrument (as a stethoscope or hearing aid) that is inserted into the outer opening of the ear

2

: one of the two sidepieces that support eyeglasses by passing over or behind the ears