# stethoscope

/ˈstɛθəˌskoʊp/ (US) · /stˈɛθəskˌəʊp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stethoscope
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a small medical tool for listening to sounds inside your body, like your heartbeat or breathing. Doctors often wear one around the neck.

For teachers: a medical instrument with earpieces and a chest piece joined by flexible tubing, used to listen to internal body sounds such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood flow.

## Examples

- The doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to my heart.
- The nurse hangs a stethoscope around her neck before checking patients on the morning round.
- Despite advances in portable ultrasound, the stethoscope remains a symbol of clinical skill and bedside care.

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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.