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

Synonyms of listen in

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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.
Crack it, and attackers could pose as your bank or listen in on your messages. — Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 If there is a frontline starter available, the club won’t be opposed to listening in hopes to make the club better. — Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 Fifty-three percent of the audience for AM and FM radio listen in cars, according to the NAB. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Give the full interview a listen in NPR's Book of the Day podcast feed. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

listen for
listen in
listening device
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Listen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20in. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

listen in

verb
1
: to listen to a broadcast
2
: eavesdrop
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