listen for

idiom

: to pay attention to sounds in order to hear (something expected)

We listened for (the sound of) his footsteps.

We saw lightning and listened for the thunder.

Examples of listen for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Life Tornado detection: bringing Stone Age tech into the 21st century Technology designed to listen for atomic bombs can also hear tornadoes. —

Big Think, 24 June 2024 The multipurpose devices also act as light and temperature sensors, can be used as leak detectors, and can listen for smoke / carbon monoxide alarm audio sirens. —

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 13 June 2024 Fans should also listen for dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more throughout the show. —

Samantha Neely, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024 Additionally, the department communicates with each ward office when a permit is issued so the ward can listen for concerns about activity in the park. —

Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for listen for

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'listen for.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.