# hearing

/ˈhiɹɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈiəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hearing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the sense of sound

noun · CEFR B1

the physical ability to hear sounds.

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

- The loud music at the concert damaged his hearing for several days.
- As people age, they often experience a gradual decline in their hearing, particularly regarding high-frequency sounds.

### 2. legal/formal meeting

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

- The judge scheduled a hearing for next month to review the new evidence.
- The senate committee held a public hearing to investigate the environmental impact of the proposed pipeline project.

### 3. earshot

noun · CEFR B2

the distance within which you can hear someone or something.

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

- Stay within hearing so I can call you when dinner is ready.
- The conspirators waited until they were well out of hearing before discussing their plans for the following evening.

### 4. a chance to speak

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The manager finally gave the employees a fair hearing regarding their complaints.
- Despite the controversial nature of his proposal, the board agreed to give the architect a full hearing at the next meeting.

### 5. not deaf

adjective · CEFR B2

describing someone who is able to hear.

For teachers: possessing the sense of hearing; not deaf.

- The school provides special support for both hearing and deaf students.
- The study compared the linguistic development of children born to hearing parents with those born to non-hearing parents.

## Examples

- The judge scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday morning.
- After the preliminary hearing, the magistrate decided there was enough evidence to proceed with a full trial.
- The administrative hearing provided an opportunity for the local residents to voice their concerns regarding the proposed zoning changes before a final decision was reached by the council.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.