listen for

phrase

: to pay attention to sounds in order to hear (something expected)

We listened for (the sound of) his footsteps.

We saw lightning and listened for the thunder.

Examples of listen for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Companies behind gunshot detection technology, including Flock Safety, have said the systems are designed to listen for gunshots, not private conversations. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 July 2026

The aircraft deploys sonobuoys that listen for underwater activity across wide ocean areas. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

The National Weather Service urges those in Guam to begin preparing their homes, listen for possible warnings and be ready to evacuate if necessary. — Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Managers need to know what to listen for, what to avoid and where to send the employee next. — Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Rhymes for listen for

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore
• heretofore