tune in

verb

tuned in; tuning in; tunes in

transitive verb

: to listen to or view a broadcast of

tuned in the weather report

intransitive verb

1

: to listen to or view a broadcast

We tuned in to hear the election results.

2

: to understand and be aware of a situation

He was not tuned in to the needs of his staff.

Examples of tune in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gap shoppers and style editors alike are always tuned in to the brand’s many high-profile collaborations, including the recent Hailey Bieber jeans (which, by the way, are about to restock), Béis partnership, and Dôen collection. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 6 Nov. 2026

While Murdoch didn’t say as much, Fox viewers may not want to tune in at a moment in the news cycle when Democrats are on the rise. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

But over the last couple weeks, the whole country tuned in as national Republicans and Democrats alike poured money in. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Broadcast television celebrates when young people tune in to the linear schedule and Inde Navarrette and Gracie Abrams appearances on Saturday Night Live certainly helped draw youth to NBC. — Peter White, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

tune in

verb

1

: to listen to or view a broadcast

tune in next week for the conclusion

2

: to pay attention to what is happening or to one's surroundings