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

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.
Police listened in on multiple jail calls in which Scott allegedly detailed his plan to sabotage the trial, including enlisting his mother to mail the threatening letters from her home. Meredith Kile, People.com, 4 June 2025 By listening in on the Wolves’ transmissions, Dina is able to triangulate their position and plot a course toward the hospital. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 12 May 2025 The Ukrainian special services were listening in, the opening titles say, and regularly posted clips online. Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll listened in the audience, but didn’t voice an opinion. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Listen in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20in. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

listen in

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