Definition of listen
listened
;listening
play \ˈlis-niŋ, ˈli-sən-iŋ\transitive verb
archaic : to give ear to : hear
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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of listen in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of listen
Middle English listnen, from Old English hlysnan; akin to Sanskrit śroṣati he hears, Old English hlūd loud
First Known Use: before 12th century
Origin and Etymology of listen
see 1listen
First Known Use: 1788
LISTEN Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of listen for English Language Learners
-
: to pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc.
-
—used to tell a person to listen to what you are saying
-
: to hear what someone has said and understand that it is serious, important, or true
listen
Definition of listen for English Language Learners
-
: the act of listening to something
LISTEN Defined for Kids
listen
playDefinition of listen for Students
listened
;listening
1 : to pay attention in order to hear Are you listening to me?
2 : to hear and consider seriously He listened to his father's advice.
listener
\ˈlis-nər, ˈli-sən-ər\ nounLearn More about listen
-
See words that rhyme with listen Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for listen Spanish Central: Translation of listen Nglish: Translation of listen for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of listen for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up listen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!