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.
The assault escalated with The Rock using a belt and Travis Scott delivering a slap that reportedly ruptured Rhodes's eardrum, requiring an earplug for Rhodes's subsequent entrance. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 With helmets on, the sick astronauts would have been unable to blow their noses, and the buildup of pressure could have ruptured their eardrums: a painful and possibly career-ending injury. — Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 While some would have basked in the moment, Sir Paul has probably heard enough screaming in his 83 years to burst a thousand eardrums. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Feb. 2025 But all that power comes at the expense of your eardrums; the LEM has a very loud motor. — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 27 Jan. 2025 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 27 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of eardrum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eardrum

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