1
: rumor
… like the hearsays bandied about by the medievalists …—
S. N. Behrman
S. N. Behrman2
law
: hearsay evidence
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
Smith said her testimony was second-hand hearsay.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026
Former special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly sidestepped pointed questions about the credibility of January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson, despite previously acknowledging her most explosive claims amounted to secondhand hearsay.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have nothing but love for each other, despite internet hearsay.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker argued that allowing testimony about genocide and political motivations could invite hearsay and speculation.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hearsay
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Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026
Former special counsel Jack Smith repeatedly sidestepped pointed questions about the credibility of January 6 committee witness Cassidy Hutchinson, despite previously acknowledging her most explosive claims amounted to secondhand hearsay.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have nothing but love for each other, despite internet hearsay.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker argued that allowing testimony about genocide and political motivations could invite hearsay and speculation.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hearsay
Cite this Entry
“Hearsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearsay. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hearsay
noun
hear·say
ˈhi(ə)r-ˌsā 
1
: something heard from another : rumor
2
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
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