overhear

verb

over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhir How to pronounce overhear (audio)
overheard ˌō-vər-ˈhərd How to pronounce overhear (audio) ; overhearing ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ How to pronounce overhear (audio)

transitive verb

: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

intransitive verb

: to overhear something

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But, in fact, what Michael overheard was Jim sharing his feelings for Pam. Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 McCullers said his five-year-old daughter overheard a conversation with his wife on the phone about the threats. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 The incident happened at the beginning of the school year when Junior, who is autistic, overheard two students talking. Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica, 29 May 2025 Crackles of news coverage overheard throughout the rest of the movie suggest that World War III is essentially breaking out. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for overhear

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhear was in 1549

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Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhear

verb
over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r How to pronounce overhear (audio)
overheard -ˈhərd How to pronounce overhear (audio) ; overhearing -ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce overhear (audio)
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

More from Merriam-Webster on overhear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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