ENGLISH
REFERENCE

headphones

n.
US //ˈhɛdˌfoʊnz// UK //hˈɛdfəʊnz// head·phones
  1. 1 audio listening device (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a pair of small speakers you wear over or in your ears to listen to audio privately.

    an electroacoustic transducer worn on or over the ears to convert electrical signals into audible sound for a single user.

    Example

    He put on his headphones so he could listen to his music on the bus.

    Example

    The noise-cancelling headphones proved essential for maintaining focus in the open-plan office during the busy afternoon shift.

    Usage

    Usually plural; treated as a countable noun when used with 'pair of'.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'headphones' and 'earphones' are often used interchangeably, 'headphones' usually implies the larger style with a headband, whereas 'earphones' or 'earbuds' fit inside the ear.
    • speakers
    Pitfall
    I bought a new headphone yesterday.
    I bought a new pair of headphones yesterday.

    Like 'glasses' or 'trousers', 'headphones' is usually plural. Use 'a pair of' to refer to one unit.

Origin

From head + phones.

Word family

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