eardrum

noun

ear·​drum ˈir-ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)
: tympanic membrane

Examples of eardrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This water-absorbing ability may help prevent water from accumulating on the delicate eardrum and fend off infections such as swimmer’s ear. — David Hu, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds launched earlier this year, as the latest high-end pair to grace your eardrums. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 Last year, country star Cody Johnson canceled all of his remaining 2025 tour dates after doctors discovered a ruptured eardrum that required immediate surgery. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 Müller mentioned that his machine used an artificial ear, a mechanism simulating the human eardrum that gathered sound from the air and was employed during the 1780s as a hearing aid. — Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for eardrum

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eardrum was in 1645

Browse Nearby Words

eardrop tree
eardrum
ear dust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eardrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eardrum. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

eardrum

noun
ear·​drum -ˌdrəm How to pronounce eardrum (audio)
: the thin membrane that separates the outer and middle ear and carries sound waves as vibrations to the chain of tiny bones in the middle ear

called also tympanic membrane, tympanum

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on eardrum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eardrum

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