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
: to overhear something
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
See All Example Sentences for overhear
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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
See All Example Sentences for overhear
Cite this Entry
“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 3 Jul. 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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