1 B1 neutral
To listen to a radio broadcast, online session, or event.
"Thousands of people listened in to the live radio debate from their cars."
inseparable
listen in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To listen to a broadcast, conversation, or communication, either with permission or secretly.
In plain English
To listen to something — either a radio programme or a conversation that may not be meant for you.
What does "listen in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To listen secretly or without permission to a private conversation or communication.
"She suspected that her employer was listening in on her phone calls."
“
The NSA has been listening in on the phone calls of ordinary Americans.
— Common journalistic formulation widely used during NSA surveillance reporting, e.g. The Guardian, 2013
inseparable
Usage tip
Has two key senses: (1) legitimate listening to a broadcast or public event; (2) covert listening to a private communication. Context usually makes the meaning clear. Common across British and American English. Often followed by 'on' + noun: 'listen in on the call'.
Words that pair with "listen in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
broadcast radio call conversation meeting phone webinar
How to conjugate "listen in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
listen in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
listens in
he/she/it
Past simple
listened in
yesterday
Past participle
listened in
have + pp
-ing form
listening in
continuous
Hear "listen in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "listen in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "listen in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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