eavesdrop

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp How to pronounce eavesdrop (audio)
eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops

intransitive verb

: to listen secretly to what is said in private
eavesdropper noun

Examples of eavesdrop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The audience is eavesdropping on unvarnished conversations, with the talkers’ masks off, laying out their true feelings and attitudes: hope, worry, confusion, love, hate and bigotry. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024 In Episode 3, Larry eavesdrops on a golf lesson intended for Oscar-winning deaf actor Troy Kotsur. Boris Kachka, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 The Enquirer's investigation found one informant claimed to have heard a fellow inmate admit to a murder while eavesdropping on him through air vents at the Justice Center. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 They were coincidentally seated next to one of Sydney’s closest friends—and eventual bridesmaid—who eavesdropped and then gave her stamp of approval. Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024 The tunable replica circuits operate for a realistic but random amount of time, obscuring the real signal from any eavesdropping attackers. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Feb. 2024 The cells of your body constantly eavesdrop on your thoughts from the wings of your mind. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 In a brave and singular show, Neal Brennan utilizes three microphones to tell jokes, truths, and one-liners, giving viewers the joy of laughing and eavesdropping at the same time. Eric Farwell, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2024 Imagine a mischievous imp lurking in the shadows, eager to eavesdrop on your whispers to the AI or peek at its replies. Moran Zavdi, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eavesdrop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of eavesdrop was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near eavesdrop

Cite this Entry

“Eavesdrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eavesdrop. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

eavesdrop

verb
eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp How to pronounce eavesdrop (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on eavesdrop

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