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

Their path to the iconic series began almost by accident after a family friend overheard a casting call for twin girls and connected their father with the opportunity. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Somehow the staff overheard us. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

When someone was picking on Ollie recently, Dreyer was proud to overhear Calvin offering big brotherly defense. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 24 June 2026

Police interviewed other witnesses, including a neighbor, who overheard the beating. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 June 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