What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ears
Example
I can't hear you, cover your ears. [ears: noun]
Example
She has a piercing in her left ear. [ear: singular noun]
Example
He has an ear for music. [ear: figurative meaning]
auricle
Example
The auricle is the part of the ear that is pierced for earrings. [auricle: noun]
Example
The auricle is shaped like a funnel to collect sound waves. [auricle: noun]
Example
The auricle amplifies sound and transmits it to the inner ear. [auricle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ears is a more commonly used term in everyday language, while auricle is a more technical term used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ears and auricle?
Auricle is a more formal and technical term, while ears is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
