listen for
idiom
: to pay attention to sounds in order to hear (something expected)
We listened for (the sound of) his footsteps.
We saw lightning and listened for the thunder.
Examples of listen for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Parents should listen for any information that is not accurate and correct it.
—
Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Just kick back and listen for yourself: Do those guitar chords sound a bit familiar?
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Be patient and listen for the answer to arise from your inherent wisdom.
—Janice Marturano, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
For instance, take a walk together and listen for nature sounds like birds or insects, the wind in the trees, and the crunching of grass.
—Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for listen for 
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Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Just kick back and listen for yourself: Do those guitar chords sound a bit familiar?
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
Be patient and listen for the answer to arise from your inherent wisdom.
—Janice Marturano, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
For instance, take a walk together and listen for nature sounds like birds or insects, the wind in the trees, and the crunching of grass.
—Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for listen for
Dictionary Entries Near listen for
Cite this Entry
“Listen for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20for. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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