earbuds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earbuds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to small headphones that are designed to fit directly in the outer ear. Example: "I always carry my earbuds with me so I can listen to music on the go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to George Jijiashvili, wearables analyst for CCS Insight, anything from a device to make a normal watch "smart" to wireless earbuds that track heart rate, activity and play music, all without a smartphone, are pitching for funding.

The Guardian - Tech

Overall, though, they are a lot better than the earbuds that come free with most portable devices.In this section Hoping it will hold together The adidas method Guardian warriors and golden eggs Serial disrupter Searching for answers The sound of music Mr Geek goes to Washington ReprintsThere is in any case a limit to how good music will sound through even the best headphones.

The Economist

The earbuds have three separate settings: one for planes, one for trains and buses, and one for general office hubbub.Other uses are emerging.

The Economist

Thanks to advances in manufacturing techniques, which allow miniature mechanical components to be built into electronic chips, it is now possible to add better noise-cancelling features to phones, and also to other products, such as the small "earbuds" used to listen to music players.The idea behind active noise-cancellation goes back to the 1950s.

The Economist

JASON BAPTISTE notes:If you spent the money on an original iPod in 2001 on Apple stock ($499), you would have $14,513.78 today.But without those white earbuds, how would you have signalled your trendiness?

The Economist

You get four pairs of earbuds - the three-tiered ones are most effective for swimming.

Independent

Buy now 5. Overboard: £24.99, over-board.co.uk These great-sounding headphones are usable up to 19ft, the deepest on the list, with a neckband to keep the earbuds in place.

Independent

They come with a carry case and with four different sizes of earbuds.

Independent

The whole Vive package includes the headset, two wireless controllers which will allow users to interact with the virtual world, a Vive Link Box, which is used to connect the headset to a PC, two 'lighthouse' base stations used to track the user's movements, and a pair of Vive earbuds.

Independent

The application describes technology that could be fitted to headphones or earbuds and that uses a skin sensor to measure biometric data including temperature, perspiration and heart rate.

Independent

You get standard and waterproof earbuds - make sure you're using the right ones before diving in.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the features of "earbuds", be specific about aspects like noise cancellation, water resistance, or wireless connectivity to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "earbuds" have the same capabilities. Clearly state the specific features of the "earbuds" you are referencing, as not all models offer identical functionalities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "earbuds" is as a noun, specifically a plural noun, referring to small audio devices worn in the ears. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earbuds" is a grammatically correct and very common noun referring to small, in-ear audio devices. According to Ludwig, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, with neutral register. When writing about "earbuds", it's important to be specific about their features and avoid overgeneralizations. You can consider using alternative phrases like "in-ear headphones" or "earphones" depending on the specific context. While "EarPods" refers to a specific product by Apple, "earbuds" is a generic term. Overall, the term is well-established and readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in-ear headphones

Specifies the type of headphones that fit inside the ear canal.

wireless earbuds

Specifically highlights the wireless functionality of earbuds.

earphones

A more general term for devices that deliver audio to the ears.

noise-cancelling earbuds

Emphasizes the noise-cancelling feature of the earbuds.

headphones

Broader term that includes both in-ear and over-ear models.

ear speakers

Highlights the speaker element and its location in the ear.

listening devices

Emphasizes the function of the device for audio consumption.

portable audio

Focuses on the portability aspect of the listening experience.

audio accessories

Positions the device as part of a larger group of audio-related items.

personal audio equipment

Formal way to describe the class of devices.

FAQs

How to use "earbuds" in a sentence?

You can use "earbuds" to describe small headphones that fit in your ear. For example, "I use my "earbuds" while commuting to work."

What can I say instead of "earbuds"?

You can use alternatives like "in-ear headphones", "earphones", or simply "headphones" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "earbuds" or "ear pods"?

"Earbuds" is a general term, while "EarPods" is a specific product name used by Apple. Both are correct, but their use depends on whether you're referring to a specific brand or the general type of device.

What's the difference between "earbuds" and "headphones"?

"Earbuds" are designed to fit inside the ear, whereas "headphones" typically have a band that goes over or behind the head with cups that cover the entire ear. So headphones is a broader term.