Earworm - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An earworm is a catchy song or tune that repeatedly plays in one’s mind, often without conscious effort. It can be pleasant or annoying, but is hard to forget.
Definition:
A catchy song or tune that repeats persistently in one's mind.
Synonyms:
catchy tune, brainworm, sticky song
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
forgettable song, silence
Common Collocations:
catchy earworm, annoying earworm, persistent earworm, popular earworm, unwanted earworm
Derivatives:
earworms (plural), earwormy (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "earworm" to describe a song stuck in your head; avoid overusing it for non-musical repetition.
Common Phrases:
"get an earworm, " "stuck with an earworm, " "earworm of the day"
Etymology:
From German "Ohrwurm," literally meaning "ear worm," referring to music burrowing into the mind like a worm.
Examples:
- 1. That pop song is such an earworm—I can’t stop humming it!
- 2. She woke up with an annoying earworm from yesterday’s radio hit.
- 3. Commercial jingles are often designed to be unforgettable earworms.
- 4. Even after years, some melodies remain stubborn earworms in my memory.