headphone

noun

head·​phone ˈhed-ˌfōn How to pronounce headphone (audio)
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
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.
What to pack and how to prepare Kids’ ears are more sensitive than adults’, so bring kid-sized earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 The sun is beaming down on you, the beats in your headphones providing the soundtrack to your summer getaway — the vibes are immaculate. — Nissa Renzo, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 As a result, workers in the space may be able to focus more effectively without needing noise-reduction wearables like earbuds and headphones. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 June 2026 In another example of the rare occurrence, the brand worked with Master & Dynamic to create headphones together that debuted in a spring 2024 show. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for headphone

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headphone was in 1908

Rhymes for headphone

See All Rhymes for headphone

Browse Nearby Words

headpenny
headphone
headpiece
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headphone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headphone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

headphone

noun
head·​phone ˈhed-ˌfōn How to pronounce headphone (audio)
: an earphone held over the ear by a band worn on the head
—usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on headphone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about headphone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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