ear
EER
Ear (noun) means the organ used for hearing, including the visible outer part and the internal structures that detect sound. Example: “She had an infection in her left ear.”
noun
1
The organ used for hearing, including the visible outer part and the internal structures that detect sound.
"She had an infection in her left ear."
"The music was too loud for his sensitive ears."
"The doctor looked carefully into my ear with a small light."
2
A natural talent or trained sense for recognising sound, especially in music or language.
"He has a great ear for melody, even without any formal training."
"My sister has a good ear for accents and picks them up quickly."
"You need a trained ear to hear the difference between these two notes."
3
Willing attention; the state of being listened to.
"The senator has the ear of the president on trade issues."
"She was glad to find a friendly ear after such a long day."
"Please lend me your ear for a moment, because I have an idea."
4
The seed-bearing head of a cereal plant such as wheat or corn.
"They grilled fresh ears of corn at the barbecue."
"The farmer checked each ear of wheat for signs of disease."
"Golden ears of barley swayed in the field beside the road."
How to use ear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe organ we hear with — or, more loosely, a talent for sound, someone's attention, or the head of a grain plant.
Common pairings
ear infection
a good ear
have someone's ear
ear of corn
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Word forms
- Plural
- ears
- Third person singular
- ears
- Past tense
- eared
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had an infection in her left _____.
Etymology
Came into English from Middle English eren, from Old English erian, tracing back through Proto-West Germanic *arjan and Proto-Germanic *arjaną to Proto-Indo-European *h₂erh₃- (“to plough”).
Related words
Rhymes for ear
See all rhymes for ear →Frequently asked questions
What does “ear” mean?
The word “ear” means the organ used for hearing, including the visible outer part and the internal structures that detect sound. In plain terms, the organ we hear with — or, more loosely, a talent for sound, someone's attention, or the head of a grain plant.
How do you pronounce “ear”?
“Ear” is pronounced EER (/ˈɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ear” in a sentence?
Here is “ear” used in a sentence: “She had an infection in her left ear.”
What is another word for “ear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ear” include earball, King Lear, listener, lug and shell-like.
What part of speech is “ear”?
“Ear” is a noun.
Is “ear” a common word?
“Ear” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “ear” have?
“Ear” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the organ used for hearing, including the visible outer part and the internal structures that detect sound.
What are the parts of the ear?
The ear has three main parts. The outer ear is the visible flap and the canal that gathers sound. The middle ear holds tiny bones that pass vibrations inward. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which turns those vibrations into signals for the brain, plus structures that aid balance.
How does the ear help with balance?
Beyond hearing, the inner ear contains the vestibular system — fluid-filled canals that sense the position and movement of your head. As you move, the fluid shifts and signals the brain, helping you stay upright and steady. Problems here can cause dizziness or a loss of balance.
Why do ears pop?
Ears pop when the air pressure inside the middle ear adjusts to match the pressure outside, often during flights, driving up hills, or diving. A small tube connecting the ear to the throat opens to balance the pressure, and that sudden equalising is felt as a pop.
Can loud noise damage your ears?
Yes. Very loud sounds, or long exposure to moderately loud noise, can harm the delicate structures of the inner ear and cause lasting hearing loss. Damage can build up gradually and is often permanent, which is why hearing protection matters in noisy places or at loud events.
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