listened; listening
ˈli-sᵊn-iŋ 
ˈlis-niŋ
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
archaic
: to give ear to : hear
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
Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
In a way, the family table becomes its own boardroom in disguise, an incubator for intelligent conversation driven by emotional intelligence and the ability to actively listen and participate at any age or stage.
—Leisse Wilcox, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
Last Sunday, on this program, the commerce secretary told us the tariffs are part of a strategy to bring high-tech factories to the U.S. Take a listen.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen
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Verb
There are people who are trained to listen and to talk you through what’s happening.
—Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
In a way, the family table becomes its own boardroom in disguise, an incubator for intelligent conversation driven by emotional intelligence and the ability to actively listen and participate at any age or stage.
—Leisse Wilcox, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
Big Wolf is always good for a great quotable, and there’s really nothing like this out right now, making for a fun, fascinating listen.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
Last Sunday, on this program, the commerce secretary told us the tariffs are part of a strategy to bring high-tech factories to the U.S. Take a listen.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen
Cite this Entry
“Listen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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