eavesdrop

[ eevz-drop ]

verb (used without object)

, eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping.

1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.

verb (used with object)

, eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping.

1. Archaic. to eavesdrop on.

noun

1. water that drips from the eaves.
2. the ground on which such water falls.

eavesdrop

/ ˈiːvzˌdrɒp /

verb

1. intr to listen secretly to the private conversation of others

Derived Forms

• ˈeavesˌdropper, noun

Other Words From

• eavesdropper noun
• anti·eavesdropping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eavesdrop¹

before 900; (noun) Middle English evesdrope, evesdripe, Old English yfesdrype; as v., probably back formation from eavesdropper, late Middle English evisdroppyr, apparently literally, one who stands on the eavesdrop in order to listen to conversations inside the house; eave, drop, drip

Word History and Origins

Origin of eavesdrop¹

C17: back formation from earlier evesdropper, from Old English yfesdrype water dripping from the eaves; see eaves , drop ; compare Old Norse upsardropi

Example Sentences

Some of these future spacecraft will be able to see through cloud and even eavesdrop on radio transmissions.

From BBC

In July, the BBC revealed Health Assured allowed strangers to "eavesdrop" on confidential calls by listening in to the helpline without the knowledge or permission of callers.

From BBC

A security blunder not long afterwards allowed spies to eavesdrop on a highly sensitive conversation between senior German air force officials, later broadcast on Russian TV.

From BBC

Some of these future spacecraft will be able to see through cloud and even eavesdrop on radio transmissions.

From BBC

Of my recent adventures in Chekhov, I remain partial to Richard Nelson’s production at the Old Globe of “Uncle Vanya,” which allowed us to eavesdrop on the characters with audio headsets that permitted the actors to perform their roles as though they were conferring in complete domestic privacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• listen in
• overhear
• snoop