noun

listener

Someone who listens.

A good listener gives you time to explain your feelings.

Etymology

The agent ending identifies the person performing the action. A listener is someone directing attention to sounds or to another person’s speech.

More examples

  • The host takes questions from listeners after each interview.
  • She is a patient listener, even when I repeat myself.
  • The story holds every listener's attention until the end.

Forms

listener · listeners

listen verb — To pay attention to sounds or speech.

Similar words

hearer
Someone who hears, without necessarily paying deliberate attention.
audience
A group receiving a performance or talk, rather than one listener.