ear

ear · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The organ of hearing in humans and other vertebrates, located on either side of the head.

  2. 2.

    The ability to hear or distinguish sounds, especially in music.

  3. 3.

    The seed-bearing head of a cereal plant, especially corn or wheat.

  4. 4.

    Attention or willingness to listen.

Forms

plural: ears

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    All ears — Listening attentively.
  • •
    Play it by ear — To improvise or decide as events unfold.
  • •
    Fall on deaf ears — To be ignored.
  • •
    In one ear and out the other — Heard but immediately forgotten.
  • •
    Lend an ear — To listen sympathetically.
  • •
    Up to one's ears — Deeply involved or overwhelmed.
  • •
    Wet behind the ears — Inexperienced or naive.

Related words

See also: ears, hearing, listen

Etymology

From Old English ēare, from Proto-Germanic ausō, from Proto-Indo-European h₂ous- meaning "ear." Cognate with German Ohr and Latin auris.