overhear
verb
over·hear
ˌō-vər-ˈhir 
overheard
ˌō-vər-ˈhərd
; overhearing
ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ
; overhearing
ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
overheard their conversation
: to overhear something
went someplace where she couldn't overhear
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
Deputies and K-9s searched the area, collected evidence and interviewed nearby residents and employees at businesses who may have witnessed or overheard the attack.
—
Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
The children overheard them having an argument inside of the room.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
The narrator and her friend seem slightly embarrassed at the possibility of being overheard—seeing the couple perhaps reminds them that Americans are not simply an idea on a page or in a newspaper headline, but actual people.
—Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Just behind him, while packing up his things, receiver Tyquan Thornton overheard Worthy talking and spoke up — loud enough so the microphones could hear him.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhear
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Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
The children overheard them having an argument inside of the room.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
The narrator and her friend seem slightly embarrassed at the possibility of being overheard—seeing the couple perhaps reminds them that Americans are not simply an idea on a page or in a newspaper headline, but actual people.
—Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Just behind him, while packing up his things, receiver Tyquan Thornton overheard Worthy talking and spoke up — loud enough so the microphones could hear him.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhear
Cite this Entry
“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overhear
verb
over·hear
ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r
overheard
-ˈhərd
; overhearing
-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ
; overhearing
-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
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