noun
Common
listening
LIHS-nihng
Listening (noun) means the skill or act of paying attention to spoken sound. Example: “The exam has a separate section for listening and one for reading.”
noun
1
The skill or act of paying attention to spoken sound.
"The exam has a separate section for listening and one for reading."
"Active listening means really focusing on what someone says instead of planning your reply."
"Her listening improved a lot after she watched films without subtitles."
adj
1
Used for the purpose of hearing or paying attention to sound.
"The soldiers set up a listening post near the border."
"Students put on their headphones for the listening test in the language lab."
"The library has a quiet listening room where you can enjoy music."
How to use listening
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe activity of paying attention to sound, or something built to help with that.
Common pairings
active listening
listening skills
listening post
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Word forms
- Plural
- listenings
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The exam has a separate section for _____ and one for reading.
Etymology
Came into English as Middle English listnynge or lustninde, from Old English hlysnende, and is equivalent to listen + -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for listening
evening
opening
widening
awakening
happening
weakening
deafening
maddening
gardening
sickening
fattening
screening
See all rhymes for listening →
Frequently asked questions
What does “listening” mean?
The word “listening” means the skill or act of paying attention to spoken sound. In plain terms, the activity of paying attention to sound, or something built to help with that.
How do you pronounce “listening”?
“Listening” is pronounced LIHS-nihng (/ˈlɪs.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “listening” in a sentence?
Here is “listening” used in a sentence: “The exam has a separate section for listening and one for reading.”
What part of speech is “listening”?
Depending on how it is used, “listening” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “listening” a common word?
“Listening” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “listening” have?
“Listening” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the skill or act of paying attention to spoken sound.
What is the difference between listening and hearing?
Hearing is passive, the ear simply detecting sound. Listening is active: paying attention to what you hear, focusing on it, and making sense of it. You can hear background noise without listening, but listening means deliberately tuning in and trying to understand the meaning behind the sound.
Can listening be learned or improved?
Yes. Listening is a skill that can be developed with practice. Techniques such as giving full attention, not interrupting, asking questions, and reflecting back what was said all strengthen it. Active listening is a well-known method taught in communication, counselling, and leadership training.
What is active listening?
Active listening is fully concentrating on a speaker rather than passively taking in words. It involves paying close attention, showing you are engaged, avoiding interruptions, and reflecting or summarising what was said to confirm understanding. It is widely used in counselling, customer service, and everyday relationships to communicate better.
Why is listening important?
Listening is central to communication, learning, and relationships. It lets us understand others accurately, avoid misunderstandings, and show respect and empathy. Good listening builds trust, helps resolve conflict, and helps us absorb information, which is why it is valued so highly in teaching, leadership, and friendship alike.
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