headphone
B1Neutral to informal in singular form ('headphone'); technical/specific when plural ('headphones').
Definition
Meaning
A listening device, consisting of one or two earpieces connected by a band placed over or behind the head, used for listening to audio signals from a radio, computer, music player, etc.
The term can refer to the entire device, the individual earpiece ('a headphone'), or the category of listening equipment. In professional contexts, it may denote specialized high-fidelity or noise-cancelling equipment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used in the plural form 'headphones' to refer to the pair, though singular 'headphone' is possible when referring to one earpiece (e.g., 'one headphone isn't working'). The term is countably plural ('a pair of headphones', 'my headphones').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The singular 'headphone' (for one earpiece) is slightly more common in technical American documentation.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Very high and identical frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wear headphonesput on/take off headphoneslisten through headphonesconnect headphones to [device]use headphones with [device]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tune out with headphones”
- “In your own (headphone) world”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussions of office equipment, remote work setups, or tech product development. 'The company issued noise-cancelling headphones for open-plan offices.'
Academic
In studies on auditory perception, hearing, or sound engineering. 'Participants listened to stimuli via calibrated headphones.'
Everyday
Talking about personal electronics, commuting, or listening to music. 'I always take my headphones on the train.'
Technical
Specifications for audio equipment, electronics interfaces, or product design. 'The device features a 3.5mm headphone output with 32-ohm impedance support.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's headphoning his music to avoid disturbing his flatmates.
- The entire carriage seemed to be headphoning into their own worlds.
American English
- She headphoned her way through the entire flight.
- The commuters were all headphoning during the subway ride.
adverb
British English
- They listened headphone-ily, completely isolated from the noise.
American English
- He walked headphone-deep in concentration, oblivious to his surroundings.
adjective
British English
- The headphone jack on my laptop is broken.
- It was a very headphone-friendly environment.
American English
- I need a headphone adapter for this new phone.
- She works in a headphone-required office.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I listen to music with my headphones.
- These headphones are red.
- Where are my headphones?
- I bought new wireless headphones for the gym.
- Could you please speak up? I'm wearing headphones.
- The headphones were too expensive for my budget.
- The noise-cancelling feature on these headphones is remarkably effective on flights.
- After hours of wearing over-ear headphones, I find them a bit uncomfortable.
- She plugged her headphones into the jack and started the audio guide.
- Audiophiles often debate the merits of open-back versus closed-back headphones for critical listening.
- The proliferation of smartphones without headphone jacks has driven the market for Bluetooth headphones.
- Participants were fitted with binaural recording headphones to simulate realistic acoustic environments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEAD + PHONE: A phone for your head (ear), not held to your ear.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUDIO IS A PERSONAL SPHERE / PRIVACY IS HEADPHONES (e.g., 'putting on headphones to create a bubble').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing 'наушники' as plural only; remember 'headphone' (singular) exists. 'Headphones' is not an uncountable noun like 'information'; it's a plural countable noun requiring 'a pair of' or 'these'. Do not confuse 'headset' (with mic) and 'headphones' (audio only).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an uncountable noun ('I need a new headphones' - incorrect; should be 'a new pair of headphones' or 'new headphones'). Confusing 'headphone jack' (the socket) with 'headphone plug' (the connector).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'headphone' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both, but it's most often used in the plural 'headphones' to refer to the pair. The singular 'headphone' is correct when referring to one earpiece of a set.
'Headphones' generally go over or around the ear. 'Earphones' and 'earbuds' are smaller and fit directly in the ear canal; 'earbuds' often specifically refers to the modern, compact style (like Apple's AirPods), while 'earphones' can be slightly more generic.
You can say: 'My headphones are broken,' 'My headphones aren't working,' 'One of my headphones isn't working,' or 'There's no sound coming from my headphones.'
It is the socket (hole) in a device like a phone or computer where you plug in the headphone connector (plug) to listen to audio.
Explore