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
Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024
Watt, who recently published a book about the experiences of African American symphony players, listened to the discussion on social justice in young adult novels.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for listen 
Verb
During the news conference, those listening let out an audible ― and heartbreaking — gasp as the sheriff identified the dead children as brother and sister.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024
Watt, who recently published a book about the experiences of African American symphony players, listened to the discussion on social justice in young adult novels.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for listen
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'listen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near listen
Cite this Entry
“Listen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share