Earphone: meaning, definitions and examples
🎧
earphone
[ ˈɪərfəʊn ]
audio device
Earphones are small listening devices that can be plugged into a music player or computer. They generally consist of two speakers connected by a wire or wirelessly. Earphones sit directly in the outer ear and are designed for personal listening, providing privacy and convenience. They are often used while commuting, exercising, or in quiet environments where larger headphones may be impractical. Some earphones come with built-in microphones for hands-free phone calls.
Synonyms
earbuds, headphones, in-ear monitors.
Examples of usage
- I used my earphones to listen to music on the bus.
- She adjusted her earphones to get a better fit.
- He prefers earphones while jogging to avoid disturbing others.
Translations
Translations of the word "earphone" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fone de ouvido
🇮🇳 ईयरफोन
🇩🇪 Kopfhörer
🇮🇩 earphone
🇺🇦 навушник
🇵🇱 słuchawki
🇯🇵 イヤフォン
🇫🇷 écouteur
🇪🇸 auricular
🇹🇷 kulaklık
🇰🇷 이어폰
🇸🇦 سماعة أذن
🇨🇿 sluchátka
🇸🇰 slúchadlá
🇨🇳 耳机
🇸🇮 slušalke
🇮🇸 heyrnartæki
🇰🇿 құлаққап
🇬🇪 სმარტფონი
🇦🇿 qulaqcıq
🇲🇽 auricular
Etymology
The term 'earphone' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'ear' and 'phone', a short form for 'telephone'. The first versions of earphones, known as 'ear tubes', were developed for telephone communication, allowing users to listen privately. As technology progressed throughout the 20th century, earphones evolved from large, bulky designs to more compact and portable forms. The introduction of personal music devices in the 1970s popularized earphones, leading to various designs such as earbuds and in-ear monitors. Today, earphones are an essential accessory for personal audio experiences, featuring advancements like wireless connectivity and noise cancellation.