listen

1 of 2

verb

lis·​ten ˈli-sᵊn How to pronounce listen (audio)
listened; listening ˈli-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce listen (audio)
ˈlis-niŋ
Synonyms of listennext

intransitive verb

1
: 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

transitive verb

archaic : hear

listen

2 of 2

noun

: an act of listening

Synonyms of listen

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Verb

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Examples of listen in a Sentence

Verb I listened as hard as I could, but I couldn't hear a word of what he said over all that noise. She listened with interest as he told her about his travels. She tried to warn him of the dangers, but he wouldn't listen.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Before every game, Xavi calls his mum and listens to the theme song from Nolan’s 2014 Oscar-winning film Interstellar, which was composed by Hans Zimmer. — Jay Harris, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Smith compares listening to Coltrane as a religious experience and how his music affected her at different stages of her life. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Noun
Today's listen The orange metro line in Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, has revolutionized travel and safety for women since its opening six years ago. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 July 2026 In the July 20, 2026, edition of The Insider, managing editor Gretchen Gavett highlights the most popular articles for HBR subscribers so far this year, as well as a roundup of more recent must-reads and listens. — Gretchen Gavett, Harvard Business Review, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for listen

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

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

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of listen was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing listen

Rhymes for listen

See All Rhymes for listen

Browse Nearby Words

listel
listen
listenable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Listen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

listen

verb
lis·​ten
ˈlis-ᵊn
listened; listening
ˈlis-niŋ, 
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to pay attention in order to hear
listen for a signal
listen to a new CD
2
: to give heed : follow advice
listen to a warning
listener
ˈlis-nər, 
-ᵊn-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on listen

Nglish: Translation of listen for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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