eavesdrop

1 of 2

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp 

eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops

intransitive verb

: to listen secretly to what is said in private

eavesdropper noun

eavesdropper

2 of 2

noun

eaves·​drop·​per

-pə(r)

: one that eavesdrops

Synonyms of eavesdrop

Verb

• listen in (on)
• monitor
• hear
• spy
• overhear

Examples of eavesdrop in a Sentence

Verb

a nosy traveler who likes to eavesdrop on his fellow airline passengers

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

These records are being used by insurers to literally eavesdrop on what is happening in the doctor’s office through the AI scribe. —Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2026

The pair engage in a loud, revealing conversation on the Central Perk couch that the gang can't help but eavesdrop on. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026

Until now, Russia’s spying in geosynchronous orbit has primarily focused on eavesdropping on foreign communications. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026

Gossip or eavesdropped intel is revelatory as the moon aligns with Pluto. —Usa Today, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably back-formation from eavesdropper, literally, one standing under the drip from the eaves

Noun

Middle English evesdropper, from evesdrop, noun + -er

First Known Use

Verb

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eavesdrop

• barbershop
• countertop
• lollipop
• mountaintop
• photoshop
• tabletop
• turboprop
• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop

Kids Definition

eavesdrop

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp 

: to listen secretly to private conversation

eavesdropper noun

Legal Definition

eavesdrop

intransitive verb

eaves·​drop

eavesdropped; eavesdropping

: to listen secretly to what is being said in private without the consent of the speaker compare bug, wiretap

eavesdropper noun