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

For creator Lee Sung Jin, the inspiration came from overhearing a heated dispute inside a couple’s home. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026

The calls, according to people who overheard them, were not always amicable. —Philip Elliott, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

Lyonne was overheard asking, Page Six reported. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026

The only real threat is a whistleblower, like an outcast kid overhearing the whole criminal scheme from the floor below his mother’s office. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 Apr. 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