English Reference

Word

headphone

Phoneticshead·phone, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈhɛdˌfoʊn/

UK/hˈɛdfəʊn/

Definitions

01audio device

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. one of a pair of small speakers you wear on or in your ear to listen to audio.

n. an individual electroacoustic transducer designed to be held against or inserted into the ear; usually encountered as one half of a pair.

“He took off one headphone so he could hear what his friend was saying.”

“The left headphone began to crackle, suggesting a loose connection in the internal wiring of the headset.”

Pitfall

I bought a new headphone yesterday.

I bought a new pair of headphones yesterday.

Like 'glasses' or 'scissors', we usually use the plural 'headphones' or the phrase 'a pair of headphones' even for one device.

Synonyms

earphoneearbud

Antonyms

speakerloudspeaker

02related to headphones

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Technical

n. used to describe things made for or used with headphones.

n. used attributively to describe components, sockets, or accessories specifically designed for use with headphones.

“The phone doesn't have a headphone jack, so I need an adapter.”

“The amplifier features a dedicated headphone output stage to ensure high-fidelity sound even when using high-impedance studio monitors.”

Usage

In this sense, the word is used as a modifier before another noun.

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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