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REFERENCE

hearing

n. · adj.
US //ˈhiɹɪŋ// UK //hˈiəɹɪŋ// hear·ing
  1. 1 the sense of sound (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the physical ability to hear sounds.

    the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    The loud music at the concert damaged his hearing for several days.

    Example

    As people age, they often experience a gradual decline in their hearing, particularly regarding high-frequency sounds.
  2. 2 legal/formal meeting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    a formal meeting where a judge or a committee listens to facts before making a decision.

    a formal proceeding, such as in a court of law or a legislative committee, where evidence or testimony is presented.

    Example

    The judge scheduled a hearing for next month to review the new evidence.

    Example

    The senate committee held a public hearing to investigate the environmental impact of the proposed pipeline project.
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  1. 3 earshot (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the distance within which you can hear someone or something.

    the range or distance within which a sound may be heard. Often used in the phrase 'within hearing'.

    Example

    Stay within hearing so I can call you when dinner is ready.

    Example

    The conspirators waited until they were well out of hearing before discussing their plans for the following evening.
  2. 4 a chance to speak (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an opportunity to explain your ideas or your side of a story.

    an opportunity to be heard or to present one's case or opinions.

    Example

    The manager finally gave the employees a fair hearing regarding their complaints.

    Example

    Despite the controversial nature of his proposal, the board agreed to give the architect a full hearing at the next meeting.
  3. 5 not deaf (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing someone who is able to hear.

    possessing the sense of hearing; not deaf.

    Example

    The school provides special support for both hearing and deaf students.

    Example

    The study compared the linguistic development of children born to hearing parents with those born to non-hearing parents.
Origin

From Middle English herynge, equivalent to hear + -ing.

Idioms1 entry

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