Earshot

/ˈɪrʃɑt/ noun

Definition

The distance within which someone can hear you; range of hearing.

Etymology

From 'ear' (the organ of hearing) combined with 'shot,' originally meaning the distance an arrow could travel, metaphorically applied to the distance sound could carry.

Kelly Says

The term 'earshot' is a perfect example of how English borrows metaphors—medieval people used 'shot' for any distance one could project something (arrow, voice, cannonball), which is why we say 'out of earshot.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.