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
Stacey Zable, USA Today, 28 May 2025
In the years since Avicii passed away in 2018, millions of people around the world have continued to listen to the groundbreaking electronic dance music the DJ left behind.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
How many of those listens have been while completely sober, however, remains a mystery.
—Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen
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
Tour the sub, including the periscope, control room and bunk rooms, and listen to recorded stories from former crew members.
—Stacey Zable, USA Today, 28 May 2025
In the years since Avicii passed away in 2018, millions of people around the world have continued to listen to the groundbreaking electronic dance music the DJ left behind.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
It’s known for providing an entertaining listen while helping to minimize skips from used records.
—Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
How many of those listens have been while completely sober, however, remains a mystery.
—Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 13 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share