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

Not everyone is comfortable complaining about work, especially at work– give your coworkers a safe place to talk, maybe on Zoom or some bar where their complaints won’t be overheard by the wrong people at the wrong time. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025

Early on, Lucy is speaking with several other female wedding guests about matchmaking and about the big subject that underlies it—love—while Harry is standing alone, close enough to overhear but far enough to be discreet. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 June 2025

At the bar that night, a younger man who was seated nearby overheard the conversation and cut in. —Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 June 2025

One day, Amy overheard her aunt arguing with the caseworker about money. —Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 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