eavesdrop
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
water that drips from the eaves.
-
the ground on which such water falls.
verb
Other Word Forms
- antieavesdropping adjective
- eavesdropper noun
Etymology
Origin of eavesdrop
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The president sometimes messes with the reporters on the line or lets people around him eavesdrop on speakerphone.
From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026
A trade office allegedly helped to eavesdrop on Chinese dissidents.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
They’ve even heard of “Ear Hustle” — which means to eavesdrop — listening and discussion clubs in an Arkansas prison.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026
Their ability to detect low-frequency sounds helps them eavesdrop on the mating calls of frogs.
From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2025
He’ll eavesdrop on my conversation through the thin wood door, and within an hour, word will spread all over town that I’ve called my sister because I can’t stand living with the Doctorita anymore.
From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
