listener

[lis-uh-ner]

noun

1. someone who gives attention with the ear, especially for the purpose of hearing specific sounds, speech, instructions, etc..

   At story time, you may choose to be a reader or a listener.

2. someone who listens to a radio broadcast or to a specific radio program.

   They attract teenage listeners with pop songs about first love.

Word History and Origins

Origin of listener¹

First recorded in 1600–20; listen ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Still, while it may be tricky, they say there are signs listeners can be alert to.

Read more on BBC

Several AI songs cracked genre-specific sales charts, but that might only require around 1,000 downloads—not a huge listener base.

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Bush, a Republican, said in his eulogy: "In a profession that attracts talkers, he was a thinker and a listener."

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Many textures derived from synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines can be instantly pegged to the decade of their origin, which for many listeners leads to a knowing chuckle.

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Thanks to their governess, the children know how to appreciate a good story and were excellent listeners.

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Related Words

• audience