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

My wife, overhearing this, couldn't help but laugh at my politeness toward a machine. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Both complaints cited overhearing employees at the Kwik Trip at 2530 N. Grandview Blvd. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024

In Wednesday’s Shrinking, Liz sold her share of the food truck to Sean’s dad after overhearing a touching conversation between father and son. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 23 Oct. 2024

Dede and Elsa overhear the fight from the threshold of their bedroom door, which ends at a standstill. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Oct. 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