earful

[ eer-fool ]

/ ˈɪərˌfʊl /

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See synonyms for earful on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural ear·fuls.

an outpouring of oral information or advice, especially when given without solicitation.

a sharp verbal rebuke; a scolding.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of earful

First recorded in 1915–20; ear¹ + -ful

usage note for earful

See -ful.

Words nearby earful

ear drops, eardrum, eared, eared seal, earflap, earful, ear fungus, ear-grabbing, Earhart, Earhart, Amelia, earing

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use earful in a sentence

In recent days, Sinema has also heard an earful from Arizona businesses, many of which have called on her to oppose the legislation’s minimum corporate tax.
Lobbyists are rushing to influence the Democrats’ spending bill|Yeganeh Torbati, Jeff Stein|August 5, 2022|Washington Post
There, he got an earful from farmers about how—in order to stay in business—they need water.
Why Gavin Newsom’s Big Latino Problem Could Bring Him Down|Ruben Navarrette Jr.|August 25, 2021|The Daily Beast
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin snapped his stick on the bench after the goal and appeared to give Samsonov an earful as the teams exited the ice.
Bruins seize upon Capitals’ gaffe behind the net, win Game 3 in double overtime|Samantha Pell|May 20, 2021|Washington Post
Best not to ask GOP fundraising legend Georgette Mosbacher about the state of her beloved party unless you want an earful.
Mosbacher: I’m Furious at My Own Party|Michelle Cottle|January 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Now that he is back we may get an earful from the Egyptian doctor as he catches up on the world since the new year.
Osama's Top Gun Is Back|Bruce Riedel|May 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Maybe Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, or even President Obama, want to give you an earful.
The Guy Who's Really to Blame?|Allan Dodds Frank|March 17, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Oh, yes, the neighbors certainly got an earful, as the town gossips proved when the divorce suit seeped into the papers.
Cabin Fever|B. M. Bower
Out thar, Jode won't be hangin' around, shufflin' the dishes en tryin' to get an earful.
David Lannarck, Midget|George S. Harney
Go ahead an' spit 'er out—an' believe me, it'll be an earful!
Connie Morgan in the Lumber Camps|James B. Hendryx
I am with you if you will but give me half an earful of your plans.
In Search of Mademoiselle|George Gibbs
But, believe me, Don, I gave him an earful when we got ashore that night.
The Viking Blood|Frederick William Wallace

British Dictionary definitions for earful

earful

/ (ˈɪəfʊl) /

noun informal

something heard or overheard

a rebuke or scolding, esp a lengthy or severe one

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

earful

Origin of earful

usage note for earful

Words nearby earful

Words related to earful

How to use earful in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for earful