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listen out

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To keep your ears open and wait to hear a specific thing.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To remain alert and attentive, ready to hear a particular sound, signal, or piece of information.

"Listen out for your name — they'll call you when the doctor is ready."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To actively seek out or be on the lookout for new music, information, or opportunities (informal extended use).

"Listen out for their new album — it's supposed to be incredible."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Mainly British English; usually appears as 'listen out for' + noun. American English more commonly uses 'listen for'. Very natural in everyday speech for asking someone to pay attention to a particular sound or announcement.

Commonly used with

name signal announcement noise sound call alarm

Forms

Base
listen out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
listens out
he/she/it
Past simple
listened out
yesterday
Past participle
listened out
have + pp
-ing form
listening out
continuous

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Synonyms

listen for keep an ear out watch for be alert to pay attention to

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