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."
inseparable
listen out
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To pay active attention in order to hear a specific sound, signal, or piece of information.
In plain English
To keep your ears open and wait to hear a specific thing.
What does "listen out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "listen out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
name signal announcement noise sound call alarm
How to conjugate "listen out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "listen out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "listen out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "listen out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
be alert to keep an ear out listen for pay attention to watch for
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