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.
Vlasenko kept silent, so that the Russians, if they were listening in, would think him dead.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
So it also appears elected prosecutors were listening to voters in both directions.
From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2026
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
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
His eyes were closed, his jaw slackened, as if he were listening to seraphic voices.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
