hearsay

noun

hear·​say ˈhir-ˌsā 

1

: rumor

… like the hearsays bandied about by the medievalists …

—S. N. Behrman

2

law : hearsay evidence

Synonyms of hearsay

• rumor

Examples of hearsay in a Sentence

You can't judge them solely on the basis of hearsay.

They're supposedly getting married soon, but that's just hearsay.

Recent Examples on the Web

Out-of-court testimony, known as hearsay, is generally not allowed at trial, whereas in conspiracy proceedings, a courtroom rule will enable prosecutors to enter into evidence otherwise inadmissible confessions of a conspiracy. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025

Acting on hearsay, or overreacting emotionally, can create a whole bunch of problems. —Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

In 2022, the California Court of Appeals upheld the ruling that Michael's defamation claim was based on inadmissible hearsay. —Alexia Fernández, People.com, 27 June 2025

Speculation surrounding Johnson once got so strong that the Bullet Train star addressed the hearsay during an interview with Rolling Stone UK in March 2024. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hearsay

• hearsay evidence

Rhymes for hearsay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

hearsay

noun

hear·​say ˈhi(ə)r-ˌsā 

1

: something heard from another : rumor

2

: hearsay evidence

Legal Definition

hearsay

noun

hear·​say ˈhir-ˌsā 

: a statement made out of court and not under oath which is offered as proof that what is stated is true

called also hearsay evidence