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

overheard their conversation

intransitive verb

: to overhear something

went someplace where she couldn't overhear

Synonyms of overhear

• hear
• monitor
• spy

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

The witness and his girlfriend ended up on the same bus as the couple who ran and overheard their conversation, according to the affidavit. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026

Lyonne was overheard asking, Page Six reported. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

The first time he was arrested in December 2024, neighbors overheard an altercation between Fraraccio and Bridgman in their apartment and called police, Bridgman said. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

Throughout the day, amid the cacophony of emergency response sirens, the buzz of drones could be heard overheard, sparking fear among the residents below. —Riane Lumer, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026

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