eavesdrop

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp 

eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops

intransitive verb

: to listen secretly to what is said in private

eavesdropper noun

Synonyms

• 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

There is no wireless signal to hijack, no airwaves to eavesdrop on. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

Sophi eavesdropped on Alex and Jeremiah’s conversation and became worried that the idol holder would put his vote on her. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Oct. 2025

Western analysts believe the Luch/Olymp satellites are likely meant to eavesdrop on the signals relayed through other spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. —Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025

This is a direct consequence of no-go theorems like no-cloning, no-deleting, no-hiding and uncertainty—any attempt to eavesdrop alters the quantum signal, alerting the sender and receiver. —Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

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