Definition

A catchy song or tune that keeps repeating in your mind, often without your control.

Example

That song is such an earworm; I can't stop humming it!

Conversation

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that you just can't shake off?

Oh, definitely! It's like a persistent earworm that won't go away.

I had that happen with that new pop song; it’s driving me crazy!

I know the feeling! Sometimes they just linger for days.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Earworm is a compound word formed from "ear" (from Old English "eare", meaning the organ of hearing) and "worm" (from Old English "wyrm", meaning a small creature or serpent). The term describes a catchy piece of music that gets stuck in one's head, much like a small creature that burrows in.

Memory Tip

Think of an 'ear' as the organ that hears and a 'worm' as something that burrows in — an earworm is a tune that burrows into your mind.

Visually Confused Words