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

overheard their conversation

intransitive verb

: to overhear something

went someplace where she couldn't overhear

Synonyms of overhear

• hear
• monitor
• spy

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

While sitting in the intensive care unit, Martin overheard another mother mention her daughter had the same condition. —CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Arbitello overheard the conversation. —Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

When Dickens overhears his son Baby chatting with Andersen during storytime, and the child’s painful stutter is gone, Dickens is grateful, at least temporarily, for Andersen’s presence. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 10 June 2026

Quotidian sounds such as traffic, bleeping devices, or pop music overheard in crowded spaces make up much of the source material for her expansive sound collages. —Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for overhear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

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