A tune that keeps replaying in one's head or that one keeps thinking about, especially if unwanted.
Used in a Sentence
earworm
Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for earworm.
Editorial note
Didn't even have to click the link for that earworm to be stuck in my head.
Examples13
Definitions3
Parts of speech1
Quick take
A tune that keeps replaying in one's head or that one keeps thinking about, especially if unwanted.
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of earworm gathered in one view.
(archaic) An earwig (“insect of the order Dermaptera”).
(originally US) Ellipsis of corn earworm (“larva of the moths Helicoverpa zea (syn. Heliothis zea) and Helicoverpa armigera, which are agricultural pests”). [The large striped yellow-headed larva of moths of species Helicoverpa zea (syn. Heliothis zea) and Helicoverpa armigera, especially destructive to corn, tomatoes, tobacco, and cotton bolls.]
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for earworm.
noun
A tune that keeps replaying in one's head or that one keeps thinking about, especially if unwanted.
noun
(archaic) An earwig (“insect of the order Dermaptera”).
noun
(originally US) Ellipsis of corn earworm (“larva of the moths Helicoverpa zea (syn. Heliothis zea) and Helicoverpa armigera, which are agricultural pests”). [The large striped yellow-headed larva of moths of species Helicoverpa zea (syn. Heliothis zea) and Helicoverpa armigera, especially destructive to corn, tomatoes, tobacco, and cotton bolls.]
Example sentences
Didn't even have to click the link for that earworm to be stuck in my head.
I thought that was a locally aired commercial when I was younger, but apparently that earworm went nationwide!
Okay - any bets on which company or advertising agency will be the first to apply this research to generate an irresistible earworm?
Kars4Kids operates nationwide and is infamous for their earworm radio jingle that plays across the country, though their advertising intensity varies by region.
Similarly, I can't hear a particular song in my head even if it's an earworm.
Great, now I've got the Mythbusters intro running in my head like an earworm...
Somewhat apropos, my favorite long-time earworm: Wreck, by Gentle Giant, e.g.
You're more likely to have heard of it if you ever listen to broadcast radio, as that's where their ads (with the earworm-y jingle that they're most infamous for) usually air.
Quote examples
Then why are "earworm" songs so hard to get out of my brain?
“Catchiness” is probably more important than anything, hence the concept of the earworm aka stuck song syndrome.
As an American, it's always been "stuck in my head", and I first learned "earworm" years ago as a Britsh-ism.
I will never accept the horrifying word "earworm".
Proper noun examples
I recommend listening to DJ Earworm's mashup of the top song across the world [0] to hear a greater variety of countries, albeit for this or last year.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use earworm in a sentence?
Didn't even have to click the link for that earworm to be stuck in my head.
What does earworm mean?
A tune that keeps replaying in one's head or that one keeps thinking about, especially if unwanted.
What part of speech is earworm?
earworm is commonly used as noun.