# ear

/ˈiɹ/ (US) · /ˈiə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ear
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. body part

noun · CEFR A1

the part of the head that you use for hearing.

For teachers: the organ of hearing in humans and vertebrates, specifically the external part or the entire internal mechanism.

- She whispered the secret directly into his ear so no one else could hear.
- The doctor used an otoscope to examine the patient's inner ear for signs of infection or inflammation.

### 2. ability to hear or appreciate sound

noun · CEFR B1

the ability to hear well or to notice and enjoy specific sounds like music.

For teachers: the faculty of hearing or the sensitive appreciation of musical tone and rhythm.

- He has a great ear for music and can play any song after hearing it once.
- The conductor's exceptional ear allowed him to detect a single slightly flat note among the sixty-piece orchestra.

### 3. attention

noun · CEFR B2

the act of listening to someone or giving them your attention.

For teachers: favourable attention or the opportunity to be heard by someone in power.

- The diplomat finally gained the king's ear and explained the crisis.
- Having the CEO's ear gave the young manager a distinct advantage when proposing radical changes to the company's structure.

### 4. part of a grain plant

noun · CEFR B1

the top part of a cereal plant, like corn or wheat, that contains the seeds.

For teachers: the fruiting spike of a cereal plant, including the kernels and their protective coverings.

- We bought several ears of fresh corn from the farm stand for the barbecue.
- The late summer heat caused the ears of wheat to ripen faster than the farmers had originally anticipated.

### 5. handle or projection

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small handle or part that sticks out from an object, often used for holding it.

For teachers: a decorative or functional projection on an object, such as a lug or a handle on a cup.

- The old soup pot had a small metal ear on each side for lifting.
- The architect specified that the acroterium should be positioned precisely above the ear of the classical pediment.

### 6. informant

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang

a person who listens secretly and gives information to the police.

For teachers: a person who acts as an informant or spy, particularly one who provides information to law enforcement.

- The gang suspected there was an ear in the room when the police arrived.
- The detective relied on a network of ears in the underworld to track the movement of stolen goods across the border.

### 7. to hear

verb · CEFR C2 · Humorous

to listen to or take in information with your ears.

For teachers: to perceive by the ear; used as a playful or non-standard transitive verb for hearing.

- Did you ear what the teacher just said about the homework?
- He leaned in close, jokingly asking his friend to ear the latest gossip from the office.

## Examples

- She whispered a secret into my ear.
- The musician has a great ear for melody and can play any song after hearing it once.
- While the external ear collects sound waves, the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear are responsible for converting those vibrations into nerve impulses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.