listen

1 of 2

verb

lis·​ten ˈli-sᵊn 

listened; listening ˈli-sᵊn-iŋ 

ˈlis-niŋ

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

archaic : hear

listen

2 of 2

noun

: an act of listening

Synonyms of listen

Verb

• 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

Verb

Perhaps most importantly, especially now, reading or listening to literature is also good for our hearts. — Jen Benka, Time, 14 July 2026

In a New York Times interview, producer Tyran Donaldson, who has also worked with SZA, recalled chuckling at listening to the Diamonds work with the instrument. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

Noun

Consistency is low on the list of priorities for a project like this, and on first listen, Guest List can be a bumpy ride. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026

Jam recalls that while Michael wasn’t present when Janet’s other brothers gathered for a first listen of the album, its influence eventually reached him in profound ways. — Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English listnen, from Old English hlysnan; akin to Sanskrit śroṣati he hears, Old English hlūd loud

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1788, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing listen

• listen for
• listen in
• listen out for
• listen up
• listen with only half an ear

Rhymes for listen

• bisson
• christen
• frisson
• glisten
• nissen
• hemolysin
• rifampicin

Kids Definition

listen

verb

lis·​ten

ˈlis-ᵊn

listened; listening

ˈlis-niŋ, 

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: to pay attention in order to hear

listen for a signal

listen to a new CD

2

: to give heed : follow advice

listen to a warning

listener

ˈlis-nər, 

-ᵊn-ər

noun