: a sensation of noise (such as a ringing or roaring) that is typically caused by a bodily condition (such as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and usually is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected

Examples of tinnitus 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 bill is funded by updating how the VA rates conditions such as tinnitus and sleep apnea, part of a larger overhaul of the disability rating system underway since 2017. Vanessa Chism, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026 The 1970s Chevrolet Light Utility Vehicle itself could register a noise level of 86 decibels, above OSHA’s 85 dBA safety level, with extended exposure potentially leading to high blood pressure, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Then tinnitus and whooshing sounds started in my ears, more and more often. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026 Shawn now suffers from bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, tinnitus and low-level hearing loss. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tinnitus

Word History

Etymology

Latin, ringing, tinnitus, from tinnire to ring, of imitative origin

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tinnitus was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinnitus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tinnitus. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Medical Definition

: a sensation of noise (as a ringing or roaring) that is typically caused by a bodily condition (as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and usually is of the subjective form which can only be heard by the one affected

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