overhear

verb

over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhir 

overheard ˌō-vər-ˈhərd  ; overhearing ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ 

transitive verb

: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

intransitive verb

: to overhear something

Synonyms

• eavesdrop (on)
• listen in (on)

Examples of overhear in a Sentence

She overheard what her boss said to his secretary.

I overheard a rumor about you.

They were overheard discussing the project.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a press conference on Wednesday, May 14, Lanez's legal team claimed to have a new witness — a bodyguard for one of Megan's friends — who allegedly overheard the friend say that Lanez didn’t shoot the three-time Grammy winner. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 20 May 2025

The young boy overheard his mother and shaman Madame Gwigokja talking about a talisman that marked Jae-yi for death. —Kayti Burt, Time, 16 May 2025

Eventually, the comments about Heather were overheard by social workers, prompting the police to get involved. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

The media scrum was so intense that consular officials could be overheard threatening to cancel the briefing if journalists didn’t calm down. —Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for overhear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

overhear

verb

over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r 

overheard -ˈhərd  ; overhearing -ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ 

: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention