eavesdrop

[eevz-drop]

verb (used without object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping 

1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.

verb (used with object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping 

1. Archaic.,  to eavesdrop on.

noun

1. water that drips from the eaves.

2. the ground on which such water falls.

eavesdrop

/ ˈiːvzˌdrɒp /

verb

1. (intr) to listen secretly to the private conversation of others

Other Word Forms

• eavesdropper noun
• antieavesdropping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eavesdrop¹

before 900; (noun) Middle English evesdrope, evesdripe, Old English yfesdrype; as v., probably back formation from eavesdropper, late Middle English evisdroppyr, apparently literally, one who stands on the eavesdrop in order to listen to conversations inside the house; eave, drop, drip

Word History and Origins

Origin of eavesdrop¹

C17: back formation from earlier evesdropper, from Old English yfesdrype water dripping from the eaves; see _eaves , _drop ; compare Old Norse upsardropi

Example Sentences

It was like eavesdropping on a dark chapter in his own life.

From Los Angeles Times

His keyboard and piano skills, formed around Southern church traditions, led him to eavesdropping on sessions at Stax Records’ studios, which took notice of his uncommonly soulful musicianship.

From Los Angeles Times

If Angela Rayner thinks that too, then her decision may well come down to how seriously she takes the warnings that China could eavesdrop on the UK's banks.

From BBC

At night, she turns on the shortwave radio to eavesdrop on other starving families without being tempted to help.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m inclined to believe him, and it’s also a gas to eavesdrop on Marty’s parent-teacher conferences, where the adults no longer give a flying fig about their kids’ futures.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• listen in 
• overhear 
• snoop