listen for

idiom

: to pay attention to sounds in order to hear (something expected)
We listened for (the sound of) his footsteps.
We saw lightning and listened for the thunder.

Examples of listen for in a Sentence

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.
Ask about the biggest challenges the role may involve and listen for any supportive actions or guidance that are provided. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Incidents of machine gun fire increased from 400 in 2019 to 5,600 in 2021, according to a 2022 CNN analysis using data from ShotSpotter, a company that places audio sensors in US cities to listen for gunfire. Eric Levenson, CNN, 24 Sep. 2024 Jennie MacFarland and Richard Fray stalked up Lone Mountain Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains, near the U.S.-Mexico border in the early morning light, occasionally pausing to play a recorded trogon call and listen for the response. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024 Viewers can listen for free on KNX News (97.1 FM and 1070 AM) or watch via streaming video on latimes.com, KNXNews.com, the L.A. Times app or the L.A. Times YouTube channel. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for listen for 

Dictionary Entries Near listen for

Cite this Entry

“Listen for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20for. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!