earmuffs

A child wears earmuffs to stay warm in the snow.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A pair of coverings for the ears: "earmuffs" are a set of two padded or fabric coverings connected by a band, worn over the ears to protect them from cold or noise.
   • Protective equipment: In some contexts, "earmuffs" refer to noise-cancelling devices used to shield hearing from loud sounds.

Usage Examples

• (Coverings for warmth.)
• (Protective hearing gear.)

Advanced Usage

• "to put on earmuffs": to place the device over the ears.

  • He put on his earmuffs before going outside in the blizzard. (He donned the ear coverings.)

• "to wear earmuffs": to have the device on one's ears.

  • The child wore pink earmuffs that matched her coat. (She had the coverings on for warmth or style.)

Variants and Related Words

• Earmuff (n, singular): one of the two padded parts of the set.

  • One earmuff fell off when she ran. (One individual covering detached.)

• Ear cover (n): a general term for any device that covers the ear, including earmuffs.

  • The ear cover protected his ears from the wind. (A generic covering.)

Synonyms

• Ear warmers: a less technical term for earmuffs used for warmth.
• Hearing protectors: noise-reducing earmuffs used in industrial settings.

Related Idioms

• "to be deaf to something": (not directly using "earmuffs") to ignore something deliberately, as if wearing earmuffs.
  • He was deaf to her pleas for help. (He ignored her completely, as if blocking out sound.)

(Note: No phrasal verbs or idioms specifically use "earmuffs" as a core word; the term is primarily literal.)