listen in

verb

listened in; listening in; listens in

intransitive verb

1
: to tune in to or monitor a broadcast
2
: to listen to a conversation without participating in it
especially : eavesdrop
listener-in
ˌli-sᵊn-ər-ˈin How to pronounce listen in (audio)
ˌlis-nər-
noun

Synonyms of listen in

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Examples of listen in in a Sentence

it's not polite to listen in on other people's private conversations
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.
When Lena places a bug in a strategic location, Kate and her team listen in. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 June 2026 Seated near the senators, a woman in a crisp white uniform appears to listen in, her hands folded neatly in her lap. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Well, this is a tool that foreigners – listening in on foreigners talking to foreigners abroad. — CBS News, 14 June 2026 Adding to the comedy of the moment, Bateman then remembered that the episode’s mystery guest had been listening in on the entire exchange. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for listen in

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of listen in was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

listen for
listen in
listening device
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Listen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20in. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

listen in

verb
1
: to listen to a broadcast
2
: eavesdrop
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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