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

Fortunately, Beckham's use of the phrase was down to little more than overhearing a song. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

In the clip, the actor can be overheard dancing around the topic and explaining that the news is technically still under wraps. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025

When he’s locked up, Mo overhears one of the other immigrants talking about his journey: ‘The mud slides, the snakes, the jungle, the cartel. —Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

The Devil, played by the incomparable Elizabeth Hurley, overhears Elliot and offers to give him seven wishes in exchange for his soul. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for overhear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

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