overhear

[oh-ver-heer]

verb (used with object)

overheard, overhearing 

1. to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge.

   I accidentally overheard what they were saying.

overhear

/ ˌəʊvəˈhɪə /

verb

1. (tr) to hear (a person, remark, etc) without the knowledge of the speaker

Other Word Forms

• overhearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overhear¹

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

Example Sentences

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been overheard discussing organ transplants as a means of prolonging life on the sidelines of a military parade in Beijing.

From BBC

He claimed to have overheard the asylum seeker telling them: "Come back to Africa, you would be a good wife."

From BBC

“It was surreal getting back to work and being on the other side of the stage,” Huntley said, overhearing people talk about the early August show days later.

From Los Angeles Times

At the rally, Becerra said the student described to her how he overheard the agents boasting about the money they would receive for capturing him.

From Los Angeles Times

One can opt to be a relatively passive observer trying to overhear conversations and uncover the various storylines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept 
• admit 
• attend 
• get 
• observe 
• take notice www.thesaurus.com
• tune in