headphone

noun

head·​phone ˈhed-ˌfōn 

plural headphones

: an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head

—usually plural

So for the gamer to gain that "edge," he must have the best mouse, the smoothest mouse pad or the most sensitive headphones.

—Chris Yong

Strapping on cushy headphones the size of loaves of bread, I'd repeatedly listen to Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and the music of artists such as Jelly Roll Morton and Billie Holiday.

—Robert Wilder

also : a small earphone inserted into the ear : earbud

in-ear headphones

Examples of headphone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sony Noise-cancelling Headphones $398 at Amazon Pilot David Shapiro says these Sony headphones have been on his radar for a while due to glowing reviews. —Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025

However, open-back headphones sound more natural and speaker-like. —Parker Hall, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025

These particular Beats Studio Pro headphones feature three unique colors handpicked by Kim Kardashian. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 30 Jan. 2025

Yes, these headphones are pricey, but the sound quality, noise-canceling power, and beautiful design can't be beaten. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

headphone

noun

head·​phone ˈhed-ˌfōn 

: an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head

—usually used in plural