Earmuffs
EER-mufs
/ˈɪərmʌfs/
A pair of pads joined by a flexible band, worn over the ears to protect them from cold or noise.
Refers specifically to the band-and-pad accessory worn strictly for ear protection, preserving hairstyles or allowing ventilation of the crown of the head.
The story behind the word. Earmuffs were invented in 1873 by a 15-year-old boy named Chester Greenwood in Farmington, Maine. Tired of his ears freezing while ice skating, he asked his grandmother to sew flannel pads onto a wire frame, creating the first pair.
Word relationships
- ear protectors: Ear protectors usually refers to heavy-duty industrial safety gear worn to block loud noises, whereas earmuffs are typically for winter warmth.
- earplugs: Earplugs are small inserts placed inside the ear canal to block noise, offering no thermal protection.
Commonly confused with
- Headphones: Headphones are electronic devices used to listen to audio, while earmuffs are purely for thermal warmth or noise reduction.
Word family
- earmuff (Noun): Singular form of earmuffs.
Collocations
- fuzzy earmuffs
- protective earmuffs
- collapsible earmuffs
- fleece earmuffs
Example sentences
- "She wore pink earmuffs that matched her scarf perfectly while ice skating." Describing a winter fashion accessory.
- "The earmuffs are designed with a collapsible band to allow for easy storage in a pocket." A real citation from a patent document.
Memory hook
Think of putting a warm, fuzzy 'MUFF-ler' (scarf) directly on your 'EARS'. Muffle the cold on your ears.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'headphones' (which play music) or 'earplugs' (which insert directly into the ear canal).
Fun facts
- Chester Greenwood went on to patent his invention and built an earmuff factory that became the primary employer in his hometown of Farmington, Maine, which is still celebrated as the 'Earmuff Capital of the World'.
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