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

Burial is far and away the blueprint here, evident in the vespertine pads, tape hiss, and hauntological vocal flips, deployed as if overheard from a distant astral plane. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026

But, as tends to happen on these types of shows, Alex manages to overhear their conversation. — Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026

Elsewhere during the event, Harry was overheard providing a few family updates to guests. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 17 July 2026

Everyone knew the story, though Andrew’s relatives were more reluctant to speak of it, to even mention the cult’s name — Synanon — craning their necks to see if any members of her family were close enough to overhear their speculations. — Shyla Watson, PEOPLE, 13 July 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