listen
verb (used without object)
to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
were listening
-
past progressiveof listen.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
As a moderate, he said, he hoped that all members of Congress — even those not in attendance — were listening.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
Pope said Tyler would have "been belting out" her ballad, along with all the other people who were listening and singing along to her song during the solar eclipse.
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
They say they used to listen to songs in secret, often not knowing who they were listening to, but clinging to the mysterious and hopeful lyrics.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
In building a 77-48 lead at the half, the Lakers demonstrated that they were listening to Redick’s orders.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2026
Over in the drain pipe Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat were listening too—Harry with his eyes closed like Papa Bellini.
From "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden
