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

The episode ends with Teddy getting a voicemail from Owen and overhearing a bridge collapse and car crash that may be fatal. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Another resident reported frequently overhearing arguing coming from the apartment. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026

Unbeknownst to me, a manager overheard our conversation. —Charleen Richey, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Police said at the time of Berera’s arrest that the girl’s boyfriend overheard a lewd conversation between her and Berera and notified her mother, who called police. —Nate Gartrell, Sacbee.com, 30 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