listen in

verb

listened in; listening in; listens in

intransitive verb

1
: to tune in to or monitor a broadcast
2
: to listen to a conversation without participating in it
especially : eavesdrop
listener-in
ˌli-sᵊn-ər-ˈin How to pronounce listen in (audio)
ˌlis-nər-
noun

Examples of listen in in a Sentence

it's not polite to listen in on other people's private conversations
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.
An attentive listen in the right frame of mind, however, still has the power to astonish. Darryn King, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Sure enough, intoxicated flies at the party became far more hyperactive and enjoyed larger dopamine spikes in their brains, compared to the lonely flies listening in from the next room over. New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025 Sent to confront Madison at her house while wearing a wire, Gary begins tapping out notes to her on his iPhone with instructions about how to sell their story to the authorities who are listening in. Esther Zuckerman, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2024 The measures under consideration include better controlling border crossings by deploying drones and canine units and reducing unnecessary foot traffic between the two countries, according to the two officials, who listened in on the virtual government meeting. Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for listen in 

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of listen in was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near listen in

Cite this Entry

“Listen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20in. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

listen in

verb
1
: to listen to a broadcast
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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