1
: to perceive or become aware of by the ear
didn't hear what she said
thought I heard them leave
2
a
: to gain knowledge of by hearing
heard that you were ill
b
: detect sense 2
heard anger in his voice
4
law
a
: to listen to legal arguments in : to give a legal hearing to or about
hear a case
b(1)
: to take testimony from
hear witnesses
(2)
: to take (as testimony) at a hearing
heard statements from witnesses
1
: to have the capacity of perceiving sound : to be able to become aware of sound
He doesn't hear well.
2
a
: to gain information : learn
tired of hearing about his problems
b
: to receive communication
haven't heard from her lately
3
—often used in the expression Hear! Hear! to express approval (as during a speech)
hear of
2 of 2phrase
1
: to be aware of the existence of
I've never heard of him.
2
: to entertain the idea
—used in the negative
wouldn't hear of it
Cite this Entry
“Hear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hear. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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