inner ear

noun

: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Examples of inner ear in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Previous research has shown that prestin can enter the bloodstream and that blood levels can change in response to damage or stress affecting the inner ear. — Mike McRae 07, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026 The two older women developed a sensitivity to Ella's blood sugar the way a cat feels the weather change in its inner ear. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 Loud sounds can damage delicate sensory cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. — Laura Coco, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 Vestibular input — sensory information the brain receives from the inner ear when a person swings or spins, among other motions — facilitates balance and movement. — Beth Hawkins, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inner ear

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner ear was in 1855

Rhymes for inner ear

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Browse Nearby Words

inner-direction
inner ear
inner endodermis
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Cite this Entry

“Inner ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20ear. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inner ear

noun
: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

Medical Definition

inner ear

noun
: the essential part of the vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium that typically is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

called also internal ear

More from Merriam-Webster on inner ear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inner ear

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