overhear
verb
over·hear
ˌō-vər-ˈhir 
overheard
ˌō-vər-ˈhərd
; overhearing
ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ
; overhearing
ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
: to overhear something
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
Italian media sourced the use of the term to unidentified bishops who reportedly overheard Pope Francis' speech at a meeting of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
—
Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 28 May 2024
Lewis recalled overhearing phone conversations McLinton had with his brother, who was three years younger.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhear 
Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 28 May 2024
Lewis recalled overhearing phone conversations McLinton had with his brother, who was three years younger.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overhear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overhear
Cite this Entry
“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overhear
verb
over·hear
ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r
overheard
-ˈhərd
; overhearing
-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ
; overhearing
-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
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