ear canal

noun

: the tubular passage of the outer ear leading to the tympanic membrane

Examples of ear canal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For side sleepers and anyone worried about ear health, Laird recommends a soft sleep headband with flat speakers or a pillow speaker because those keep the ear canal more open. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 Ideal for those who don’t want earbuds sitting in their ear canals all day, the AeroClip is a flexible, comfortable earbud that can endure 20,000 bends and still deliver high-res bass. — Carlos Mejia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 Higher ear humidity could lead to changes in your ear microbiome, or the collection of microorganisms that live in your ear canal, Nieman said. — Julia Landwehr, HEALTH, 14 Sep. 2026 The open-ear clip-on design reduces pressure in the ear canal, making the earbuds ideal for extended workdays, commuting, walking and other activities where users want to stay connected to their music and surroundings. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ear canal

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ear canal was in 1859

Rhymes for ear canal

See All Rhymes for ear canal

Browse Nearby Words

earbud
ear canal
ear candy
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Cite this Entry

“Ear canal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ear%20canal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ear canal

noun
: auditory canal

Medical Definition

ear canal

noun
: the tubular passage of the outer ear leading to the tympanic membrane
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