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

Brady is unaware that Lark is in earshot and overhears their conversation. —Annabel Gutterman, TIME, 19 Dec. 2024

Some of his comments were publicly made in front of patients and bystanders who overheard him. —Jolene Almendarez, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024

Resort staff discovered Chen in the couple's room with multiple blunt force trauma wounds to her head after the couple was overheard arguing and failed to appear for breakfast or lunch the following day. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

But Alice overhears the marital spat, perceiving Nick’s remarks to mean that Max is a roadblock in his life. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Dec. 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