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
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
These early experiences revealed that her way of listening and responding could be meaningful to others.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
The Editors, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
If the past week’s flurry of news wasn’t enough, Austin fans might have even more to celebrate, as an official account associated with the pop star has announced that some will have exclusive access to a first listen.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for listen
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Verb
The state’s acting insurance commissioner, Josh Hershman, delivered a simple message to anyone listening to top state officials.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
These early experiences revealed that her way of listening and responding could be meaningful to others.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Our editors have curated a list of some of their favorite Outside listens.
—The Editors, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
If the past week’s flurry of news wasn’t enough, Austin fans might have even more to celebrate, as an official account associated with the pop star has announced that some will have exclusive access to a first listen.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 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 25 Jan. 2026.
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