overhear

verb

over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhir 

overheard ˌō-vər-ˈhərd  ; overhearing ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ 

transitive verb

: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

intransitive verb

: to overhear something

Synonyms

• eavesdrop (on)
• listen in (on)

Examples of overhear in a Sentence

She overheard what her boss said to his secretary.

I overheard a rumor about you.

They were overheard discussing the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

While prosecutors can build a case using testimony from an inmate who happens to overhear something while in jail, the experts said law enforcement officials cannot direct someone in jail to prompt a confession from another inmate. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024

Then, in the gas station parking lot, someone who’d overheard the conversation stopped Nesgoda. —Longreads, 4 June 2024

Suddenly the customer at the next table over, overhearing the conversation, leaned over. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024

Some overheard gossip reveals itself as just the tip of the iceberg. —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

overhear

verb

over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r 

overheard -ˈhərd  ; overhearing -ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ 

: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention