Main Entry:

¹lis·ten

Pronunciation:

\ˈli-s^ən\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

lis·tened; lis·ten·ing \ˈlis-niŋ, ˈli-s^ən-iŋ\

Etymology:

Middle English listnen, from Old English hlysnan; akin to Sanskrit śroṣati he hears, Old English hlūd loud

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verbarchaic : to give ear to : hearintransitive verb1: to pay attention to sound <listen to music>2: to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration <listen to a plea>3: to be alert to catch an expected sound <listen for his step>

— lis·ten·er \ˈlis-nər, ˈli-s^ən-ər\ noun