noun Uncommon

headset

HEHD-seht

Headset (noun) means a combined pair of headphones and a microphone, worn on the head for calls, gaming, or broadcasting. Example: “The pilot spoke to air traffic control through her headset.”

noun

A combined pair of headphones and a microphone, worn on the head for calls, gaming, or broadcasting.

"The pilot spoke to air traffic control through her headset."

"He put on a headset to join the video conference."

On a bicycle, the set of bearings connecting the front fork to the frame.

"The mechanic tightened the loose headset before the race."

How to use headset

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA headphone-and-microphone unit, or a bicycle steering-bearing assembly.

Common pairings

wear a headset gaming headset VR headset

Word forms

headsets plural

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The pilot spoke to air traffic control through her _____.

Etymology

A compound of head and set, describing a set of components worn on or fitted to the head area.

Synonyms

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earphones with mic comms set

Frequently asked questions

What does “headset” mean?

The word “headset” means a combined pair of headphones and a microphone, worn on the head for calls, gaming, or broadcasting. In plain terms, a headphone-and-microphone unit, or a bicycle steering-bearing assembly.

How do you pronounce “headset”?

“Headset” is pronounced HEHD-seht (/ˈhɛdsɛt/ in IPA).

How do you use “headset” in a sentence?

Here is “headset” used in a sentence: “The pilot spoke to air traffic control through her headset.”

What part of speech is “headset”?

“Headset” is a noun.

Is “headset” a common word?

“Headset” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “headset” have?

“Headset” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a combined pair of headphones and a microphone, worn on the head for calls, gaming, or broadcasting.

What is the difference between a headset and headphones?

A headset combines headphones with a built-in microphone, allowing both listening and speaking, which makes it suited to calls, gaming, or broadcasting. Headphones alone only allow listening and have no microphone.

What does headset mean on a bicycle?

On a bicycle, the headset is the set of bearings that connects the front fork to the frame, allowing the handlebars and front wheel to turn smoothly. This is a completely different meaning from the audio device sense.

Why do gamers and call centre workers both use the word headset?

Both use headset because it describes any combined headphone-and-microphone device worn on the head, whether for voice chat during gaming or for handling customer calls. The core meaning, hands-free audio input and output, is the same in both contexts.