Word: Ear

Pronunciation

/ɪər/

Definitions

• Noun: The organ of hearing and balance in humans and animals, usually consisting of a fleshy outer part that collects sound vibrations and channels them to the eardrum through the auditory canal. E.g., “He covered his ears to block out the noise.”
• Noun (figurative): The ability to hear or listen. E.g., “She has a good ear for music.”
• Noun (idiomatic): Attention or consideration given to someone’s opinions or feelings. E.g., “Their ideas fell on deaf ears.”
• Noun (plural form ’ears’): A small, usually curved appendage on some plants, such as corn. E.g., “The corn had ripe, juicy ears.”
• Verb: To gather information or news by listening secretly. E.g., “The spy was caught eavesdropping, trying to ear what the officials were discussing.”

Phrases

• “Play it by ear”: To act or perform without a fixed plan, improvising according to circumstances.
• “In one’s right mind / left ear”: Informal expression meaning not paying proper attention or being somewhat oblivious.
• “Lend an ear”: To give someone your full attention when they need to talk.

Example Sentences

• Noun (organ of hearing): “The doctor examined the patient’s ears with an otoscope.”
• Noun (figurative use): “She has a discerning ear for poetry and can recite her favorites by heart.”
• Verb: “Detectives were busy earing conversations to find leads about the case.”

Synonyms

• Hearing
• Auricle
• Auditory Organ
• Sense of Hearing
• Listen (for the verb sense)