English Reference
noun · adjective

hearing

n. · adj.
US /ˈhiɹɪŋ/ UK /hˈiəɹɪŋ/ hear·ing UK spelling hearings

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the physical ability to hear sounds.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    As people age, they often experience a gradual decline in their hearing, particularly regarding high-frequency sounds.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The senate committee held a public hearing to investigate the environmental impact of the proposed pipeline project.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the distance within which you can hear someone or something.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The conspirators waited until they were well out of hearing before discussing their plans for the following evening.

    earshotrange
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Despite the controversial nature of his proposal, the board agreed to give the architect a full hearing at the next meeting.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing someone who is able to hear.

    adj.possessing the sense of hearing; not deaf.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

The request for a hearing offered little insight at what might be discussed.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

McInerney stood aside from his role as CEO before the Icac hearings began “to allow the work of Catholic Schools NSW to continue its important mission”, he said in a statement previously.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English herynge
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated