hearing

[ heer-ing ]

noun

1. the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived.
2. the act of perceiving sound.
3. opportunity to be heard:

   to grant a hearing.

4. an instance or a session in which testimony and arguments are presented, especially before an official, as a judge in a lawsuit.

   Synonyms: consultation, conference, audience

5. a preliminary examination of the basic evidence and charges by a magistrate to determine whether criminal procedures, a trial, etc., are justified.
6. earshot:

   Their conversation was beyond my hearing.

hearing

/ ˈhɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived audio
2. an opportunity to be listened to
3. the range within which sound can be heard; earshot
4. the investigation of a matter by a court of law, esp the preliminary inquiry into an indictable crime by magistrates
5. a formal or official trial of an action or lawsuit

Other Words From

• hearing·less adjective
• pre·hearing noun
• un·hearing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; hear, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In response, Academic Senate Chair Steven W. Cheung told regents that faculty disciplinary processes were meant to “protect our due diligence rights, our rights to a hearing, and to make sure we are deliberative in our decision-making.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I know he’s hearing it, and he’s feeling it,” Moenoa said.

From Los Angeles Times

According to CNN, US District Judge Rudolph Contreras claimed in a hearing that the possibility of widespread pardons for accused and convicted U.S.

From Salon

Hearing stories like the ones in Adkins paints a stark picture of the effects of Dobbs.

From Slate

Now a trial judge is hearing the stories of four women and three physicians affected by Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.

From Slate

Related Words

• audit
• conference
• consultation
• discussion
• inquiry
• interview
• investigation
• meeting
• negotiation
• presentation
• reception
• review
• test
• trial