listen in
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To listen without participating.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Do you mind if I listen in on your meeting tomorrow?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To eavesdrop; to listen secretly.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To listen to a radio broadcast.
Register: dated
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “listen in” mean?
To listen without participating.
Is “listen in” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.