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Earworm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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earworm

[ˈɪəwərm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music

A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind.

Synonyms

brainworm, catchy tune, sticky song.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
earworm

Typically describes a song or melody that gets stuck in your head repeatedly and can be annoying.

  • That jingle is such an earworm! I can't stop humming it.
  • After hearing that song, it became an earworm for the whole day.
catchy tune

Used to describe a song or melody that is pleasant and easy to remember, typically in a positive sense.

  • That's such a catchy tune, I love it!
  • Her new single is a catchy tune that's perfect for the summer.
brainworm

Similar to 'earworm', but often used in a slightly more intense or annoying context. It can also imply that something is stuck in your head in a broader sense, not just a song.

  • This commercial has become a real brainworm for me.
  • His lecture was full of interesting points, but now it's a brainworm and I can't stop thinking about it.
sticky song

Used less frequently, it describes a song that easily sticks in your mind, similar to 'earworm' but can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • Wow, that's a sticky song, I can't forget the chorus.
  • Despite being annoying, that song is really sticky.

Examples of usage

  • It's so annoying when I get an earworm and can't stop humming the same song all day.
  • Every time I hear that commercial jingle, it becomes an earworm that I can't get rid of.
  • The earworm of that pop hit is stuck in my head and I can't shake it off.
  • I woke up with an earworm from the concert last night, and now I can't get it out of my head.
  • The earworm of the theme song from the TV show keeps playing over and over in my mind.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'earworm'

The term 'earworm' originated in Germany as 'Ohrwurm', and it refers to the sensation of having a catchy song stuck in one's head. The concept has been studied in psychology and music cognition, exploring why certain melodies get 'stuck' in our minds. Earworms can be triggered by repetition, emotional significance, or individual differences in musical preferences.

See also: ear, earbob, earful, earmark, earmarking, earring, earringing.