all ears

phrase

Synonyms of all ears next

next

: eagerly listening

If anybody spoke of that grisly matter, I was all ears … and alert to hear what might be said …—

Mark Twain

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of all ears was in 1577

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“All ears.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all%20ears. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

rash

Listen to the pronunciation of rash

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13