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 : to give ear to : hear

listen

2 of 2

noun

: an act of listening

Synonyms

Verb

• attend
• hark
• harken
• hear
• hearken
• heed
• mind

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

While listening to the record, something happened to me that had never happened with a Kanye West record: boredom. —Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025

Other management options include counseling, therapy, meditation, prayer, listening to music, or walking in nature. —Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 29 Mar. 2025

Noun

Today's listen Michael Caterina/AP March Madness starts today, and many may hope to win big money through bets placed on the outcomes of the games. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025

Take a listen to the new show trailer and tune in every Wednesday for the surprising impact of a life outside. —Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2025

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