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
Two sources familiar with video of the strike said the two survivors were waving overheard before they were killed.
—
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Gate agents were asked to relay the information—contrary to procedure—but mistakenly assumed the aircraft’s cabin manager had overheard a radio call outlining the issue.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
On a Monday night, The Keefer Bar, a long, narrow gem that holds maybe 70 inside, buzzed with laughter and conversations the layout guaranteed would be overheard.
—Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 3 Dec. 2025
Plenty of places around Arizona are popular among spectators eager to see the Falcon 9 soaring overheard.
—Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhear
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Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
Gate agents were asked to relay the information—contrary to procedure—but mistakenly assumed the aircraft’s cabin manager had overheard a radio call outlining the issue.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
On a Monday night, The Keefer Bar, a long, narrow gem that holds maybe 70 inside, buzzed with laughter and conversations the layout guaranteed would be overheard.
—Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 3 Dec. 2025
Plenty of places around Arizona are popular among spectators eager to see the Falcon 9 soaring overheard.
—Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 30 Nov. 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 12 Dec. 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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