listen
verb (used without object)
to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
has been listening
-
present perfect progressiveof listen (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You really see this change, and yet it doesn’t feel capricious because he has been listening the whole time.
From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026
Tantimonaco, the social-media consultant, has been listening to a lot of music from that year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2026
Officials said he has been listening in on meetings in recent weeks and getting updates in order to be prepared when he eventually returns to full duty as commandant.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 1, 2024
Claire Trageser: Katie has been listening in on her cell, following along as we go through the letters.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 5, 2023
The young maid who has been listening to our English gibberish offers us a pink perfumed hand towel, which Sandi accepts and waves like the flag for our side.
From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez
