listen

1 of 2

verb

lis·​ten ˈli-sᵊn How to pronounce listen (audio)
listened; listening ˈli-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce listen (audio)
ˈlis-niŋ
Synonyms of listennext

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 : hear

listen

2 of 2

noun

: an act of listening

Synonyms of listen

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Verb

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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
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.
Verb
In the spring, Newcastle would have listened to offers for Yoane Wissa, whose £55m signing from Brentford had proved calamitous, yet the DR Congo forward returned from the World Cup full of confidence and has begun the campaign well. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Don’t be alarmed, but George Michael fever — which is the incessant urge to listen to the music British singer-songwriter George Michael — has been spreading for the past couple of years. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
Today's listen Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins is perhaps best known for his role as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 Here’s why the climbing debt makes the advice worth a listen. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for listen

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of listen was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing listen

Rhymes for listen

See All Rhymes for listen

Browse Nearby Words

listel
listen
listenable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Listen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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