earplugEnglishOxford Dictionary of Englishearplug /ˈɪəplʌɡ / ▸ (earplugs) noun 1 a piece of wax, foam, or other soft material placed in the ear as protection against noise, water, or cold air: it is noisy here and earplugs are definitely an advantage. 2 historical an ornament worn in the lobe of the ear.