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- Ear - meaning & definition
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/ɪr/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The organ of hearing and balance in humans and other vertebrates, typically shaped like a protruding outer structure.
She whispered the secret into his ear.
The ability to perceive and understand sounds or music.
He has a good ear for music and can easily identify the notes.
The part of a plant that contains seeds, especially in grains.
The farmer harvested the corn ears from the field.
A person’s attention or ability to hear.
He always has an ear for gossip and loves to hear the latest news.
A term used in expressions indicating listening carefully.
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
Listen closely.
He told me to give it an ear.
To be eavesdropping.
I caught him with his ear to the door.