Meaning & Definition of word "Ear"
to
Ear
/ɪr/
noun:
- 1. The organ of hearing and balance in humans and other vertebrates, typically shaped like a protruding outer structure.
- Example: She whispered the secret into his ear.
- 2. The ability to perceive and understand sounds or music.
- Example: He has a good ear for music and can easily identify the notes.
- 3. The part of a plant that contains seeds, especially in grains.
- Example: The farmer harvested the corn ears from the field.
- 4. A person’s attention or ability to hear.
- Example: He always has an ear for gossip and loves to hear the latest news.
- 5. A term used in expressions indicating listening carefully.
- Example: I need you to lend me your ear while I explain the situation.
Etymology
Old English 'eare,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'oor' and German 'Ohr.'
Common Phrases and Expressions
ear to the ground:
Being aware of the latest news or developments.
in one ear and out the other:
To forget something as soon as it is heard.
lending an ear:
Listening carefully to someone.
Related Words
hearing:
The faculty of perceiving sounds.
auditory:
Relating to the sense of hearing.
aural:
Pertaining to the ear.
Slang Meanings of ear
Meaning: Listen closely.
Example Sentence: He told me to give it an ear.
Meaning: To be eavesdropping.
Example Sentence: I caught him with his ear to the door.