overhear

verb

over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhir How to pronounce overhear (audio)
overheard ˌō-vər-ˈhərd How to pronounce overhear (audio) ; overhearing ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ How to pronounce overhear (audio)

transitive verb

: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

intransitive verb

: to overhear something

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The concerns are palpable to a visitor to California’s northern rangelands, where talk of wolves was overheard in local restaurants and discussed at several ranches visited by The Sacramento Bee. Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Conrad, who is ready to leave to head back to California, overhears her sobs. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 Belly learns that Jeremiah hooked up with a sorority girl during his spring break trip to Cabo after overhearing Lacie bragging at a party. Julia Moore, People.com, 17 July 2025 The launch site itself may be across state lines, but Arizonans could still have a chance to see the rocket itself soaring overheard. Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overhear

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhear was in 1549

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

overhear

verb
over·​hear ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r How to pronounce overhear (audio)
overheard -ˈhərd How to pronounce overhear (audio) ; overhearing -ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce overhear (audio)
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention

More from Merriam-Webster on overhear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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