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

Among the options the senators could be overheard discussing were a very short stopgap bill while an extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies is negotiated. —Jamie Tarabay, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly about reuniting with Home Improvement costar Tim Allen, 72, on Shifting Gears, Dunning recalled overhearing Allen entertaining the idea of bringing Pamela Anderson back to the series in some capacity. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Neither of them see Seema, who overhears all. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 26 Sep. 2025

Of course, in dramatic fashion, Emily overhears this discussion but hides instead of calling him out. —Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 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