eavesdrop

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp 

eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops

intransitive verb

: to listen secretly to what is said in private

eavesdropper noun

Synonyms

• listen in (on)
• overhear

Examples of eavesdrop in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers at Feinstein have been eavesdropping on those fibers in animals, and have even developed a system that transforms traffic along the vagus into real-time audio. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025

All of the people who are already, or should be, on high alert about the potential for eavesdropping attacks and taking measures to mitigate them. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Voice assistants—which first landed in speakers and on our phones, but quickly moved to our wrists and faces—at least required active engagement like a tap or a wake word to activate their ability to eavesdrop. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 8 Jan. 2025

The potential for spying might be a worry, but Apple offers plenty of privacy settings to prevent Siri eavesdropping on your conversations. —Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for eavesdrop

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

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