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)
Synonyms of overhearnext

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

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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.
Season two ends with George being rushed to the hospital and a love confession between Jackie and Cole, only for Alex to overhear. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 How to start the conversation Don’t spring this conversation on someone over dinner—or anywhere other people might overhear. — Angela Haupt, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Jackson said California's law about confidential communication doesn't apply when there is a reasonable expectation that a conversation could be overheard or recorded. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 The last season ended with Alex overhearing Cole’s dramatic love confession to Jackie and a cliffhanger about patriarch George’s health. — Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for overhear

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Browse Nearby Words

overhead valve
overhear
overheat
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Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhear. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of overhear for Spanish Speakers

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