Hearing
ˈhɪərɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsThe process, function, or power of perceiving sounds.
ˈhɪərɪŋ
The faculty or sense by which sound is perceived; the ability to perceive sound.
My hearing isn't as good as it used to be.
💡 Simply: It's like your ears working! When you hear something, like music or someone talking, it's your hearing at work. Think of it as your ability to listen and understand sounds.
👶 For kids: It's how you hear sounds with your ears!
More Examples
The hearing of the old man was failing him.
The sound of the music stimulated her hearing.
How It's Used
"The doctor tested his hearing after the accident."
"She has excellent hearing."
A formal meeting, typically a trial, inquiry, or investigation, to examine evidence and decide a case or matter.
ˈhɪərɪŋ
A formal meeting, often a trial, to examine and decide an issue.
The court held a hearing to determine the custody of the child.
💡 Simply: A hearing is like a meeting where people discuss a problem or a case to make a decision. It's like when judges or government officials listen to arguments and evidence.
👶 For kids: A special meeting where people talk about something important and try to decide what to do.
More Examples
The Senate committee conducted hearings on the proposed bill.
The defendant requested a new hearing after new evidence emerged.
How It's Used
"The judge scheduled a hearing to discuss the case."
"There will be a public hearing on the new environmental regulations."
The act of perceiving sound.
ˈhɪərɪŋ
The act of perceiving a sound.
The hearing of the alarm clock jolted him awake.
💡 Simply: Hearing is the moment when your ears catch a sound, like when you suddenly hear a car horn or a bird singing.
👶 For kids: When you use your ears to hear a sound!
More Examples
Her hearing was suddenly impaired after the explosion.
He reported the hearing of strange noises in the house.
How It's Used
"The sudden hearing of a loud noise startled her."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
within hearing
Close enough to hear something.
"They kept the secret within hearing of only a few trusted colleagues."
have a hearing
To be scheduled or have a formal meeting to discuss something.
"The judge will have a hearing next week to discuss the case."
From Middle English heringe, from Old English hīerung, gerund of hīeran (“to hear”).
The word "hearing" has been used in both its senses since the Old English period. The legal sense of "hearing" gained prominence over the centuries with the development of legal systems.
Memory tip
Think of the ears listening to sound.
Word Origin
"to hear, to listen"