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Definition of headphones

headphones

/ˈhɛdˌfoʊnz/
head · phones
Plural:headphones
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headphones Lexical Profile

headphones Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A pair of small loudspeaker drivers worn on or around the head over a user's ears, used for listening to audio signals such as music or speech privately.

Example

"She put on her noise-canceling headphones to focus on her work in the busy coffee shop."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for headphones

• Nearby Words

headmastership
headmistress
headphone
headphones
headpiece
headpin
headquarter

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a compound of 'head' and 'phone' (short for 'telephone'), originally referring to early hands-free telephone receivers worn by switchboard and radio operators.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Headphones. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/headphones
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