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eavesdrop
verb
eaves·drop
ˈēvz-ˌdräp
eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops
: to listen secretly to what is said in private
eavesdropper
noun
Examples of eavesdrop in a Sentence
a nosy traveler who likes to eavesdrop on his fellow airline passengers
Recent Examples on the Web
As Amelia’s future sister-in-law, Abby, her little wave when she’s caught eavesdropping on the poolside conversation between Amelia and her best friend and maid of honor, Merritt Monaco (Meghann Fahy), is a nicely arch bit of physicality.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024
The law, designed to allow law enforcement and federal government agencies to more easily gather intelligence, gave authorities the ability to search, seize, detain or eavesdrop on possible terrorists.
—The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024
By contrast, implanted electrodes can be placed right next to the motor cortex and can eavesdrop on the activity of only those neurons.
—Dana MacKenzie, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
Not trying to eavesdrop, but the friendly chatter around the lovely space was intoxicating.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
probably back-formation from eavesdropper, literally, one standing under the drip from the eaves
First Known Use
1606, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to eavesdrop
Dictionary Entries Near eavesdrop
Cite this Entry
“Eavesdrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eavesdrop. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
eavesdrop
verb
eaves·drop
ˈēvz-ˌdräp
: to listen secretly to private conversation
eavesdropper
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on eavesdrop
Nglish: Translation of eavesdrop for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of eavesdrop for Arabic Speakers
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