by ear
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"So I'm just kind of playing it by ear."
From Barron's ● May 29, 2026
“I picked it up by ear and I rearranged it too,” he said, “Because it was another three-minute-long song.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 25, 2025
All of which might suggest the cosmic stage manager also likes playing a bit by ear.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
He was also capable of picking up instruments by ear; he played guitar and recorded rock songs with his brother, who played drums.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 22, 2023
Every now and then he pulls sheet music from his case, but mostly he seems to play from memory or by ear.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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