listener

noun

lis·​ten·​er ˈli-sᵊn-ər 

ˈlis-nər

plural listeners

: one who listens to someone or something

a radio program with many listeners

a friend who's a good listener [=who listens attentively and sympathetically]

Fanny, being always a very courteous listener, and often the only listener at hand, came in for the complaints and distresses of most of them.

—Jane Austen

The average concertgoer drifts in and out of the music, often losing the thread. The listener can't always hear the music in the music, and tends to notice only the most obvious (usually the loudest) events.

—David Schiff

Examples of listener in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Set to drop April 13, the mother-daughter podcast will offer listeners an intimate look into their relationship while sharing conversations about life and family. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025

His soothing voice draws listeners dangerously close, while Sparbz’s spine-chilling synth riffs heighten the erotic sensation. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025

Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

Addressing media speculation about her personal life, as well as her past and present relationships, Grande lets listeners in to her inner psyche and turmoil more explicitly than ever. —Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above