hearing

[ heer-ing ]

noun

1. the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived.
2. the act of perceiving sound.
3. opportunity to be heard:

   to grant a hearing.

4. an instance or a session in which testimony and arguments are presented, especially before an official, as a judge in a lawsuit.

   Synonyms: consultation, conference, audience

5. a preliminary examination of the basic evidence and charges by a magistrate to determine whether criminal procedures, a trial, etc., are justified.
6. earshot:

   Their conversation was beyond my hearing.

hearing

/ ˈhɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived audio
2. an opportunity to be listened to
3. the range within which sound can be heard; earshot
4. the investigation of a matter by a court of law, esp the preliminary inquiry into an indictable crime by magistrates
5. a formal or official trial of an action or lawsuit

Other Words From

• hearing·less adjective
• pre·hearing noun
• un·hearing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; hear, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But if you have a hearing and you prove that someone is mature enough, well then that state interest evaporates.

From The Daily Beast

In January, an appeal hearing will determine whether he qualifies for post-conviction relief.

From The Daily Beast

Or is it simply that what you are hearing and seeing about race in the media seems worse?

From The Daily Beast

But at the same time, since Zimmerman, you've been hearing cases about officers killing black children—black men, Hispanic men.

From The Daily Beast

I testified merely eight feet from this monster at a preliminary hearing.

From The Daily Beast

It seems very strange that I shall actually know Liszt at last, after hearing of him so many years.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, let me ask the general reader to put aside all prejudice, and give both sides a fair hearing.

From Project Gutenberg

The young lady, hearing his step, turned round and stood on the stair, confronting him fiercely.

From Project Gutenberg

He is simply hearing every tone, knowing exactly what effect he wishes to produce and how to do it.

From Project Gutenberg

At the store he would never have given in, but he was not accustomed to hearing so loud a murmur of approval greet the opposition.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• audit
• conference
• consultation
• discussion
• inquiry
• interview
• investigation
• meeting
• negotiation
• presentation
• reception
• review
• test
• trial