overhear
to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge: I accidentally overheard what they were saying.
Origin of overhear
1Other words from overhear
- o·ver·hear·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use overhear in a sentence
A colleague overheard two conservative Mass. lawmakers talking about what “the gays” could do.
The Real Story Behind the Fight for Marriage Equality | E.J. Graff | December 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“All these questions from journalists,” he said, in a voice that was just loud enough to be overheard.
They would speak up, but in tones still soft and placid; and Spahn often overheard them describing him as a “beautiful person.”
A few days later, I overheard someone say a person they knew had "lost the battle" against cancer.
At that point, a sphere lit up, resembling the landing of the UFO in E.T., and the overheard lights descended on the stage.
I'm Not Country or Pop. I'm Just Pure Garth Brooks. | David Masciotra | September 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When Grandfather Mole overheard Mrs. Robin making such a remark he would quite likely advise her to "try a smaller one."
The Tale of Grandfather Mole | Arthur Scott Bailey“There is no static to-night,” said Mr. Brandon, who overheard the enthusiastic girl.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn | Margaret PenroseHere the train-hand who overheard the talk, stepped up, and inquired, "Have you lost anything?"
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun; | VariousYou may be overheard, and give pain or cause annoyance by your untimely conversation.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness | Florence Hartley"I always make it a point to be punctual," Lamb dawdling in the background, overheard him say.
British Dictionary definitions for overhear
/ (ˌəʊvəˈhɪə) /
(tr) to hear (a person, remark, etc) without the knowledge of the speaker
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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