eavesdrop

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp 

eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops

intransitive verb

: to listen secretly to what is said in private

eavesdropper noun

Synonyms of eavesdrop

• listen in (on)
• monitor
• hear
• spy
• overhear

Examples of eavesdrop in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

When not hanging out of train doors in Thailand, eavesdropping on passengers’ conversation in North Korea or blasting around Japan on bullet trains, Monisha is usually on the hunt for the best sausage sandwich in the company of her husband, two children and mini-dachshund, Juno. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

The breaches allegedly gave China access to the phone data of millions and the possible ability to eavesdrop on calls, read text messages and track users’ locations. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026

The agreement is similar to an Apple class-action lawsuit that alleged its Siri voice assistant had eavesdropped on private or confidential conversations. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

But does that mean your dog is picking up new words by eavesdropping? —Liz Regalia, Parents, 25 Jan. 2026

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