Definition

Noun: A type of personal protective equipment or winter accessory consisting of two ear coverings, typically made of warm material and connected by a headband, designed to be worn over the ears to keep them warm in cold weather or to reduce noise.

Usage

Earmuff is a countable noun. It is typically used in the plural form earmuffs because the item is a pair. It describes the object itself. - Example: "She put on her earmuffs before going out into the snow." - Example: "A good pair of earmuffs is essential for winter running."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The construction worker wore safety earmuffs to protect his hearing from the loud machinery.
  • Children's earmuffs often come in fun colors and patterns.

Advanced Usage

• "Noise-cancelling earmuffs": A specific type of earmuff designed primarily for hearing protection in loud environments, such as at shooting ranges or construction sites.
  • The airport ground crew uses high-quality noise-cancelling earmuffs.

Variants and Related Words

• Ear defender (n): Another term, often used in industrial or safety contexts, for hearing protection devices that cover the ears.
• Ear warmer (n): A similar item, sometimes a headband that covers the ears, used primarily for warmth.

Synonyms

• Ear coverings: A general descriptive term.
• Hearing protector: Emphasizes the safety function.

Related Phrases

• A pair of earmuffs: The standard way to refer to a single item, as they are a set of two connected pieces.
  • He bought a new pair of earmuffs for the ski trip.

Noun

1. either of a pair of ear coverings (usually connected by a headband) that are worn to keep the ears warm in cold weather