Word
earplugs
US/ˈiɹˌpɫəɡz/
UK/ˈiəplʌɡz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. small soft pieces you put in your ears to block noise or water. You use them for sleeping, swimming, or loud work.
n. small inserts worn in the ear canal to reduce noise exposure or keep out water. Typically sold in pairs and made of foam, silicone, or wax.
Examples
“She wears earplugs when she sleeps at night.”
“The construction workers wear earplugs to protect their hearing from the loud drilling all day.”
“During the overnight flight, she inserted her foam earplugs and finally found relief from the engine drone and restless chatter around her.”
Examples
simple
“She wears earplugs when she sleeps at night.”
contextual
“The construction workers wear earplugs to protect their hearing from the loud drilling all day.”
complex
“During the overnight flight, she inserted her foam earplugs and finally found relief from the engine drone and restless chatter around her.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “earplugs” in context.
Verb
01. insert earplugs
“Wash your hands before you insert earplugs.”
verb + noun
02. remove earplugs
“Remove your earplugs slowly in the morning.”
verb + noun
03. sleep with earplugs
“I cannot sleep with earplugs because they feel strange.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. disposable earplugs
“Construction workers often use disposable earplugs for protection.”
adj + noun
05. foam earplugs
“I bought some foam earplugs to block the noise from the street.”
adj + noun
06. silicone earplugs
“Silicone earplugs are soft and good for swimming.”
adj + noun
07. soft earplugs
“These soft earplugs are comfortable enough to wear all night.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. box of earplugs
“He bought a box of earplugs for the whole team.”
noun + prep + noun
09. pair of earplugs
“I keep a pair of earplugs in my travel bag.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a pair of foam earplugs
“I always carry a pair of foam earplugs when I travel.”
11. block out noise with earplugs
“She blocks out noise with earplugs to study better.”
12. put in your earplugs
“Put in your earplugs before the concert starts.”
Real-World Examples
“When picking a pair of earplugs, look for a noise reduction rating, typically labeled NRR on packaging, between 15 and 30 decibels.” “Designed to look like fashion accessories, Loop's earplugs aim to reduce ambient noise while maintaining sound quality, making them popular not only among customers looking to improve their sleep but also at music festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland.” “3M has started paying out its $6 billion settlement to U.S. service members who say they experienced hearing loss or other serious injuries after using faulty earplugs made by the company.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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