listened; listening
ˈli-sᵊn-iŋ 
ˈlis-niŋ
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
archaic
: to give ear to : 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
Gaylyn Henderson, Mph, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
Real human-centric communication starts with listening first—understanding audience concerns and needs before crafting content.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Upon first listen, Foxes in the Snow may seem like an album about divorce, new love, or old love.
—Derek Scancarelli, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen
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Verb
To be heard, to be understood, to be listened to, and to erase the stigmas and bias of living with Crohn's disease.
—Gaylyn Henderson, Mph, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
Real human-centric communication starts with listening first—understanding audience concerns and needs before crafting content.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
Ye has also made headlines recently for antisemitic outbursts, and wild music takes.
Take a listen to the full audio below on The Shade Room.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Upon first listen, Foxes in the Snow may seem like an album about divorce, new love, or old love.
—Derek Scancarelli, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen
Cite this Entry
“Listen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
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