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

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 Word Forms

• hearingless adjective
• prehearing noun
• unhearing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearing¹

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

Example Sentences

The hearing continues through Thursday with a final day of submissions next week.

Read more on BBC

He is due to face a hearing in February.

Read more on BBC

Buffett was based in Omaha, Neb., and Munger lived in Los Angeles, and they both had hearing issues, making communication more difficult.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Dr Davies added when the trust appeared at last month's hearing, it "acknowledged the seriousness of what happened" and the "devastating impact" on Ellame's family and friends.

Read more on BBC

If the parties do not come to an agreement, the Ethics Commission will hold a hearing and decide what penalties to impose.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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