noun
eardrum
EER-druhm
Eardrum (noun) means the thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates in response to sound and passes the vibration on to the inner ear bones. Example: “Loud explosions can rupture the eardrum.”
noun
1
The thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates in response to sound and passes the vibration on to the inner ear bones.
"Loud explosions can rupture the eardrum."
How to use eardrum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe membrane inside your ear that vibrates when sound waves hit it.
Common pairings
burst eardrum
perforated eardrum
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Word forms
- Plural
- eardrums
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Loud explosions can rupture the _____.
Etymology
A compound of "ear" and "drum", named for its drum-like membrane.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “eardrum” mean?
The word “eardrum” means the thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates in response to sound and passes the vibration on to the inner ear bones. In plain terms, the membrane inside your ear that vibrates when sound waves hit it.
How do you pronounce “eardrum”?
“Eardrum” is pronounced EER-druhm (/ˈiɚˌdɹʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “eardrum” in a sentence?
Here is “eardrum” used in a sentence: “Loud explosions can rupture the eardrum.”
What part of speech is “eardrum”?
“Eardrum” is a noun.
