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

And that’s when William overhears the news that Jamie is his biological father. —Lincee Ray, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024

There are other things, too, like easily finding gender-neutral bathrooms — a logistical nightmare back home — and overhearing, for the first time, they/them pronouns used in casual conversation. —The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024

Seo-yeon overhears Jeong-won’s request to the doctor, and is deeply hurt by her husband’s priorities. —Kayti Burt, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024

In the prologue, Elphaba overhears a conversation between the Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Dorothy exchanging transvestigator-leaning hearsay about the witch. —James Factora, Them, 25 Nov. 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