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
The inmate claimed the whole wing overheard the exchange.
—
Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and joyful chaos, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Returning late from the PBR event to find downtown kitchens largely dark, the hotel lobby bar server overheard that my partner and I were starving.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
In the hallway during an afternoon break, two jurors could be overheard comparing their own less-than-stellar interactions with their children to an episode in which Karen pulled over on the side of the highway and told Kaley to get out of the car.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhear
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Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and joyful chaos, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
Returning late from the PBR event to find downtown kitchens largely dark, the hotel lobby bar server overheard that my partner and I were starving.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
In the hallway during an afternoon break, two jurors could be overheard comparing their own less-than-stellar interactions with their children to an episode in which Karen pulled over on the side of the highway and told Kaley to get out of the car.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhear
Cite this Entry
“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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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