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

Lawyer Sherborne has now made an application to call Burrows' evidence as hearsay, while ANL defense lawyer, Anthony White KC, asked the court to allow him to cross-examine the private investigator, the outlet stated. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

And there were — a lot of hearsay, a lot of stories. —Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2025

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

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