listen in

verb

listened in; listening in; listens in

intransitive verb

1
: to tune in to or monitor a broadcast
2
: to listen to a conversation without participating in it
especially : eavesdrop
listener-in
ˌli-sᵊn-ər-ˈin How to pronounce listen in (audio)
ˌlis-nər-
noun

Examples of listen in in a Sentence

it's not polite to listen in on other people's private conversations
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To pass the time, Joseph listens in as Bell and the commanders plot his downfall. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025 For the deepest impact, both Barratt and Ferry suggest listening in a moving vehicle. Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025 The apparent disregard by administration officials of security protocols by having a discussion that included operational details on a consumer chat app, even an encrypted one, prompted concern that Russia and China could be listening in. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 After listening in on the meeting, Nanette offers to help identify the bandits using Kabir’s complaint log. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for listen in

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of listen in was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Listen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20in. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

listen in

verb
1
: to listen to a broadcast
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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