listening post

noun

1. Military. a post or position, as in advance of a defensive line, established for the purpose of listening to detect the enemy's movements.
2. any foreign country or city viewed as a source of intelligence about an enemy or rival nation or one that is a potential enemy.
3. any concealed position maintained to obtain information:

   The government had listening posts to keep informed of revolutionary activities.

listening post

noun

1. military a forward position set up to obtain early warning of enemy movement LP
2. any strategic position or place for obtaining information about another country or area

Word History and Origins

Origin of listening post¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The first time was the night I went on listening post; the second time I got plugged, and plugged for good.

From Project Gutenberg

Confident that they soon would come to the airplane listening post, the girls trudged on.

From Project Gutenberg

The crater was immediately organized as a listening-post and ever afterwards it was known as the "Glory Hole."

From Project Gutenberg

That night the Sergeant came along and said, "Goddard and Wilson, go out on listening-post."

From Project Gutenberg

She used to curl up at his feet when he slept or follow silently to keep him company at the listening post.

From Project Gutenberg