Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
LISTEN
I. verb (listened; listening)
Etymology: Middle English listnen, from Old English hlysnan; akin to Sanskrit śroṣati he hears, Old English hlūd loud Date: before 12th century transitive verb to give ear to ; hear , intransitive verb to pay attention to sound , to hear something with thoughtful attention ; give consideration , to be alert to catch an expected sound , listener noun
II. noun
Date: 1788
an act of listening