Noblemen, large, interrupting listeners (5)
I believe the answer is:
earls
'noblemen' is the definition.
(earl is a kind of nobleman)
'large interrupting listeners' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'interrupting' indicates putting letters inside.
'listeners' becomes 'ears' (body parts which listen).
'l' put within 'ears' is 'EARLS'.
(Other definitions for earls that I've seen before include "They're below marquess and above viscount" , "members of the House of Lords" , "Laser the British peers" , "counts" , "Nobles" .)