noun
    
    plural -ings
    
    [noncount] :the sense through which a person or animal is aware of sound :the ability to hear
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    [noncount] :the distance within which someone's voice can be heard
    
    
    
    [count] :an opportunity to explain why you did, said, or believe something - usually singular
    
    
    
    [count] :a meeting or session at which evidence and arguments about a crime, complaint, etc., are presented to a person or group who will have to decide on what action should be taken