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
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder.
—
Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 July 2025
As part of the twilight paddle, participants will also learn about bats, listen for nighttime wildlife and enjoy campfire treats.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
In these settings, sound would have been key for prey animals trying to avoid getting eaten, and for predators trying to listen for their food.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Investors will also listen for updates about Fraser’s turnaround plan.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen for
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Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 30 July 2025
As part of the twilight paddle, participants will also learn about bats, listen for nighttime wildlife and enjoy campfire treats.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
In these settings, sound would have been key for prey animals trying to avoid getting eaten, and for predators trying to listen for their food.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Investors will also listen for updates about Fraser’s turnaround plan.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for listen for
Cite this Entry
“Listen for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen%20for. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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