overhear
verb
over·hear
ˌō-vər-ˈhir 
overheard
ˌō-vər-ˈhərd
; overhearing
ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ
; overhearing
ˌō-vər-ˈhir-iŋ
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
: 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
The gray-haired FBI profiler in charge of the operation (Hayley Mills) is usually just glimpsed from behind or briefly overheard via walkie-talkie.
—
Christian Holub, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2024
Once, coaches were milling about in Oklahoma State’s defensive staff room when Spencer overheard Henderson on the phone, talking to a recruit’s mother.
—Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 31 July 2024
We were seated close to another couple, and couldn’t help but overhear some of their conversation.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024
Lincoln’s publicist is overheard saying to him before the Gettysburg Address.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhear 
Christian Holub, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2024
Once, coaches were milling about in Oklahoma State’s defensive staff room when Spencer overheard Henderson on the phone, talking to a recruit’s mother.
—Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 31 July 2024
We were seated close to another couple, and couldn’t help but overhear some of their conversation.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024
Lincoln’s publicist is overheard saying to him before the Gettysburg Address.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overhear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overhear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overhear
Cite this Entry
“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overhear
verb
over·hear
ˌō-vər-ˈhi(ə)r
overheard
-ˈhərd
; overhearing
-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ
; overhearing
-ˈhi(ə)r-iŋ
: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention
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