A single ear covering worn over the ear for warmth or to muffle sound; one of a pair of cushioned devices that cover the ears.
From 'ear' + 'muff' (a cushion or soft covering, possibly from 'muffel' meaning to muffle). Earmuffs as winter gear became popular in the late 1800s.
Earmuffs were invented by Chester Greenwood in 1873 when he got cold ears while ice skating—he's the only inventor to have his birthday celebrated as a state holiday in Maine!
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