Earring Definition Earring Definition 1

Earring (noun) — a piece of jewelry worn on or through the earlobe or other parts of the ear, available in various styles including studs, hoops and dangles, made from different materials like gold, silver, or plastic.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈɪə.rɪŋ/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Earring”?

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Tips for “earring” pronunciation: 

Stress the first syllable: EAR-ring. “Ear” sounds like the body part, /ɪə/ or /ɪr/ and  in the “ring,” you should focus on the /ŋ/ sound like in “sing.”

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Examples: How to Use “Earring” in a Sentence

Observe the way speakers effortlessly implement this word into their everyday conversations about this topic. Listen to them attentively, define an “earring,” and come up with something meaningful based on your own understanding.

She lost one earring at the party and spent an hour looking for it.
I got my ears pierced last month and can finally wear real earrings now.
These silver hoop earrings match perfectly with my outfit for tonight’s concert.
My mom gave me her pearl earrings as a graduation gift — they’re special to me.
He wears small stud earrings in both ears as part of his everyday style.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Earring”?

While this is a standard term, being acquainted with various styles and their corresponding vocabulary will greatly improve your conversations and small talks, therefore raising your English level.

Related nouns: jewelry accessory necklace chain

Synonyms (contextual): ear stud

Common collocations: stud earrings dangle earrings

“Earring” Word Formation and Description in Context

Enrich your vocabulary by using these combinations with other parts of speech. By doing this you will get the hang of word building, how to say “earring” and collocations in English.

With adjectives: small earrings dangly earrings diamond earrings mismatched earrings

With verbs: wear earrings put on earrings take off earrings lose an earring

With nouns (noun + noun): earring back earring style earring collection earring hole

Idioms and Phrases with “Earring”

Although the list of conventional idiomatic expressions containing this word is rather short, there are still a few related things with “earring” in English that would enrich your language skills.

  • Earrings that speak louder than words — earrings that are so bold, expressive, or eye-catching that they show your personality or mood without needing to say anything.

    She walked into the room wearing earrings that spoke louder than words, instantly showing everyone she wasn’t afraid to stand out.
  • Hoop earrings — circular or semi-circular earrings shaped like hoops, often worn for a classic or strict look.

    He noticed her silver hoop earrings catching the sunlight as she turned her head.
Earring Idioma Earring Idioma 1
  • Chandelier earrings — long, decorative earrings that hang down in tiers, resembling elegant chandeliers.

    Her sparkling chandelier earrings swayed gently as she walked across the ballroom.

Test Your Knowledge of “Earring” Meaning

Check your comprehension with these targeted practice exercises below. Read each task carefully and make use of this intellectual game.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
Earrings are jewelry pieces worn on or through the ear.
2
“Chandelier earrings” means you’re wearing many earrings.
3
Stud earrings and hoop earrings are two different styles.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these mixed-up words in the correct order:
1
wearing
She
beautiful
is
earrings
2
gold
bought
I
new
earrings
3
lost
He
one
his
of
earrings
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
Your friend’s earrings speak louder than words. What does she mean?
2
What are “hoop earrings”?
3
Emma wore chandelier earrings to the party because she wanted a glamorous look. What are chandelier earrings?

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“Earring” Word in Other Languages

Expand your international vocabulary by learning how to spell “earring” and pronounce it in these widely spoken European languages.

Language Word for “Earring”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Pendiente / Arete
Flag French French   Boucle d’oreille
Flag German German   Ohrring

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Earring”

Earrings have an incredible history spanning thousands of years and these interesting details reveal their cultural and fashion significance.

  • Earrings are one of the oldest jewelry types.

    The proof based on archaeology indicates that the use of earrings by humans has been going on for at least 5,000 years. The oldest pair of earrings ever discovered was unearthed in Iraq and is believed to have been made around 2500 BCE.
  • Ear piercing traditions vary worldwide.

    In India, babies’ ear piercing rituals are termed “Karnavedha” which are both religious and cultural customs. In a majority of Latin American countries, the piercing of the ears for girls has been done right after birth. The Western culture in this sense is highly flexible.
  • Men wearing earrings have a complex history.

    For example, sailors wore them thinking that their eyesight would become sharper and they would pay for burial if they drowned. Pirates used to wear an earring to indicate that they had crossed the equator. In the 70s, punk and rock culture made it a Western male fashion staple.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Earring”

See what style icons and celebrities in general have shared about this accessory item and their role in self-expression. Take a look at these phrases with “earring.”

“You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.”

Audrey Hepburn

Explanation: For instance, the fashion, grace, or audacity of the earrings can exhibit the character traits of you that he thinks of — be it classic, mischievous, sophisticated, unpretentious, or lavish.

“I feel naked without earrings. I’ll pass out twice. It feels like I’m missing a body part.”

— Tionne Watkins

Explanation: She feels incomplete or odd without the earrings, as if something really important is missing. For her, earrings are not merely ornaments — they are an essential part of her confidence and a means of her self-expression.

“Part of my trademark is my blue sunglasses and cross earrings, which I always have.”

— Alvin Leung

Explanation: The combination of his blue sunglasses and cross earrings makes him easily identifiable and also, contributes to the construction of his public image.