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
Pawan Gaargi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
But those who listen to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who proposed building Alligator Alcatraz, a migrant detention center smack dab in the middle of sprawling Everglades marsh, may get a different picture.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The track is fittingly visceral, with Lorde’s voice layered, warped, and distorted to jarring effect, making for the kind of musical catharsis that’s designed to double you over on the first listen.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen
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
Finally, listen to player feedback, both direct and through reviews left for similar games, to identify unmet expectations.
—Pawan Gaargi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
But those who listen to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who proposed building Alligator Alcatraz, a migrant detention center smack dab in the middle of sprawling Everglades marsh, may get a different picture.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Noun
Entries will be judged on elements including inspiration, process, vocals, lyrics and beat, along with listens on a dedicated chart.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The track is fittingly visceral, with Lorde’s voice layered, warped, and distorted to jarring effect, making for the kind of musical catharsis that’s designed to double you over on the first listen.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 June 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 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share