Listen in
verb
To secretly listen to other people's conversation.
She was listening in to their private conversation.
Often appears as...
- listen in on
- listen in to
verb
To join a meeting or a conversation informally, not actively participating but listening.
He was invited to listen in on the meeting to get a better idea of the project.
Often appears as...
- listen in on
- invited to listen in
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To listen to a radio or television broadcast.
I remember listening in to the radio broadcasts with my grandma when I was a child.
Often appears as...
- listen in to
- regularly listen in
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To secretly listen to other people's conversation.
She was listening in to their private conversation.
Often appears as...
- listen in on
- listen in to
verb
To join a meeting or a conversation informally, not actively participating but listening.
He was invited to listen in on the meeting to get a better idea of the project.
Often appears as...
- listen in on
- invited to listen in
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To listen to a radio or television broadcast.
I remember listening in to the radio broadcasts with my grandma when I was a child.
Often appears as...
- listen in to
- regularly listen in
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Privacy Concern
Listening in without consent is invasive and can be unethical.
I realized it was wrong to listen in; private talks are not public domain.
Pro Tip 2/3Secretive Nuance
'Listen in' implies a deliberate effort to hear a conversation not meant for you.
Curiosity got the better of him as he tried to listen in at the door.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Using 'listen in' in this context often carries a judgmental tone.
It's rude to listen in on family arguments.
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