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
: 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
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Woodpeckers are well-known for their ability to locate insects concealed within wood by tapping and listening for changes in resonance.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Miki Hellerbach, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Give Troubled Paradise a listen.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for listen
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Verb
Our senators aren’t listening to us Few things in life are worse than listening to endless hold music when connecting to live customer service agents at your bank, utility, or airline.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Woodpeckers are well-known for their ability to locate insects concealed within wood by tapping and listening for changes in resonance.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
Upon first listen, BNYX couldn’t believe his ears.
—Miki Hellerbach, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Give Troubled Paradise a listen.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for listen
Cite this Entry
“Listen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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