overhear

[ oh-ver-heer ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·heard, o·ver·hear·ing.

1. to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge:

   I accidentally overheard what they were saying.

overhear

/ ˌəʊvəˈhɪə /

verb

1. tr to hear (a person, remark, etc) without the knowledge of the speaker

Other Words From

• over·hearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overhear¹

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

Example Sentences

The court heard a taxi driver overheard the boy discussing the attack as he was driving him home.

From BBC

She alleged McMillion was overheard making a comment to the effect of “no straight woman can ever work in SWAT.”

From Los Angeles Times

The English-only rule was put in place after someone overheard two employees speaking Spanish at work.

From Los Angeles Times

After someone overheard an employee speaking Spanish — they were asking a co-worker for a pen — the school implemented an English-only policy at work, the Civil Rights Department said.

From Los Angeles Times

It was clear from overheard conversations that Trump’s acolytes were gleeful at the prospect of inconveniencing the Democratic residents of New York.

From Salon

Related Words

• accept
• admit
• attend
• get
• observe
• take notice
• tune in