eavesdropping

noun

eaves·​drop·​ping ˈēvz-ˌdrä-piŋ How to pronounce eavesdropping (audio)
: the act of secretly listening to something private
Highly sophisticated means of electronic eavesdropping were developed and put into use, largely uncontrolled by the law.Wayne R. LaFave & Jerold H. Israel
For a moment, I was worried he'd found out about my eavesdropping the night before, but that didn't seem to be the problem.Rick Riordan

Examples of eavesdropping in a Sentence

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.
Shooting down an eavesdropping drone might not qualify. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 The government’s most sensitive information is typically discussed in a facility known as a sensitive compartmented information facility, or SCIF, which is designed to allow officials to review or discuss secrets without fear of eavesdropping or cyber intrusion. David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025 Officials with the appropriate security clearances enter a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), like the White House Situation Room, which is designed to block out eavesdropping and surveillance attempts. Sam Sabin, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025 This bucket includes things like GPS navigation satellites, NRO surveillance and eavesdropping platforms, and strategic communications satellites built to survive a nuclear war. ArsTechnica, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eavesdropping

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eavesdropping was in 1641

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Cite this Entry

“Eavesdropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eavesdropping. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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