hear

play

verb \ˈhir\

Definition of hear

heard

play \ˈhərd\;

hearing

play \ˈhir-iŋ\

transitive verb
1 : to perceive or become aware of by the ear didn't hear what she said thought I heard them leave
2 : to gain knowledge of by hearing heard that you were ill
3a : to listen to with attention : heed would not hear my side of the storyb : attend hear mass
4a law : to give a listening to legal arguments in : to give a legal hearing to hear a caseb law : to take testimony from hear witnesses
intransitive verb
1 : to have the capacity of perceiving sound : to be able to become aware of sound He doesn't hear well.
2a : to gain information : learn tired of hearing about his problemsb : to receive communication haven't heard from her lately
3 : to entertain the idea —used in the negative wouldn't hear of it
4 —often used in the expression Hear! Hear! to express approval (as during a speech)

hearer

play \ˈhir-ər\ noun

See hear defined for English-language learners

See hear defined for kids

Examples of hear in a Sentence

Do you hear that music?
I couldn't hear a word of what he said over all that noise.
I thought I heard him leave.
Would you turn the volume up a little? I can't hear.
I heard her in concert a few years ago.
Have you ever heard Wagner sung in English?
The committee will hear witnesses today.
I hear he's leaving town.
I don't know what happened. I'll let you know if I hear anything.
I've heard it said that smoking is bad for your health.

Origin and Etymology of hear

Middle English heren, from Old English hīeran; akin to Old High German hōren to hear, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on guard, Greek akouein to hear

First Known Use: before 12th century

HEAR Defined for English Language Learners

hear

play

verb \ˈhir\

Definition of hear for English Language Learners

: to be aware of (sound) through the ear
: to listen to (someone or something)
: to be told (something)

HEAR Defined for Kids

hear

play

verb \ˈhir\

Definition of hear for Students

heard

\ˈhərd\;

hearing

\ˈhir-iŋ\

1 : to take in through the ear I hear laughter.
2 : to have the power of hearing He doesn't hear well.
3 : to gain knowledge of by hearing I hear he's moving to another state.
4 : to listen to with care and attention Wait till you hear both sides of the story.

hearer

\ˈhir-ər\ noun

Headscratcher for hear

You need ears to hear and you need “ear” to spell “hear.”

Medical Dictionary

hear

play

verb \ˈhi(ə)r\

Medical Definition of hear

heard

\ˈhərd\play ;

hearing

\ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ\play

transitive verb

: to perceive or apprehend by the ear

intransitive verb

: to have the capacity of apprehending sound

Law Dictionary

hear

transitive verb

Legal Definition of hear

heard

hearing

1a : to give a hearing to the court heard the claims the judge agreed to hear argument on the objection b : to conduct a hearing about the magistrate's authority to hear a matter properly before him
2a : to take testimony from the committee will hear 30 witnesses b : to take (as testimony) at a hearing the judge heard statements from the victim's family