DictionaryAI

listen

LIS-uhn/ˈlɪs.n̩/

Verblistens, listening, listened

Noun plurallistens

Often confused with hear

3 meanings of listen

Practice

  1. 1
    pay attentionverbintransitive
    To pay attention to sounds on purpose, using your ears.

    Hearing is like seeing, but listening is like watching: you choose to pay attention.

    Listen carefully when the teacher is talking.

    She listened to the rain falling on the roof.

    UsageSay listen to music (not incorrect: listen music), or listen for footsteps.

    Similarattend

    Oppositeignore

  2. 2
    take adviceverbintransitive
    To do what someone tells you or to take their advice.

    I told you to wear a hat, but you never listen.

    He finally listened and went to the doctor about the pain.

    UsageSay he wouldn't listen, or listen to your parents.

    Similarmind, heed

    Oppositedisregard

    Note
  3. 3
    a hearingnouncountable
    A time when you pay attention to a sound, a song, or a recording.

    Give this song a listen and tell me what you think.

    The class had a second listen to the recording before answering questions.

    UsageSay give this song a listen.

    Similarhearing

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of listen apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Old English "hlysnan," meaning "to listen." This goes back to an old root meaning "to hear."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts