listens

1. 1
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of listen.

   The dog listens for the sound of keys in the front door.

   Nobody listens to the weather report until the storm arrives.

   Note

   The present-tense verb carries both meanings of listen, and the preposition shows which one is meant. With to, it takes what is being heard (listens to the radio). With for, it waits on a sound that has not yet come (listens for footsteps). Used alone, it can mean heeding rather than hearing: a child who never listens may hear perfectly well and simply not obey.

2. 2
   noun

   Plural of listen.

   The album rewards repeated listens, revealing new instrumental details each time.

   The producer gave the rough mix a couple of careful listens before approving it.

   Note

   A count noun built from the verb, where each listen is one complete hearing, so the plural counts separate sessions: a few listens, repeated listens, several careful listens. The same spelling also serves as the present-tense verb (she listens), so a quantifier or article in front is the surest sign you are reading the noun.

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