listen for
idiom
: 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
These devices are equipped with passive acoustic sensors that continuously listen for underwater sound signals.
—
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
So ask questions, listen for clues, be curious and open your mind.
—Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Her only answer is to not cry at all; to keep a straight face and listen for the secret frequencies of the universe for guidance.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
The idea was simple: to reconnect with our inner voice and listen for the next idea that truly wanted to be followed.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen for
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Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
So ask questions, listen for clues, be curious and open your mind.
—Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Her only answer is to not cry at all; to keep a straight face and listen for the secret frequencies of the universe for guidance.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
The idea was simple: to reconnect with our inner voice and listen for the next idea that truly wanted to be followed.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen for
Cite this Entry
“Listen for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20for. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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