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

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The procedure involves making an incision behind the ear and drilling into the mastoid bone to reach the inner ear. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Motion sickness is caused by a disagreement between what your inner ear senses and what your eyes see. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026 An audiologist would perform advanced testing related to the inner ear. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Brain cavities, inner ears, air spaces, nerves and blood vessels became visible for the first time, revealing how dinosaurs balanced, heard, smelled and perceived their world. — Kristi Curry Rogers, The Conversation, 14 July 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

See All Rhymes for inner ear

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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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