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

• 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

Kizer – their father – was on the phone with her and overheard parts of the spat. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

Our social voyeurism may have deep evolutionary roots The human fascination with watching others—whether through reality TV, Instagram stories or overheard drama—is often dismissed as nosiness. —Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2025

In the book, Jackie admits her feelings to Cole, and Alex overhears the conversation. —Julia Moore, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

However, as the movie progresses, Se-ri overhears her mother discussing Yun-seok’s home life. —Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Aug. 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