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

As Ms. Picasso puts it: “There’s a lot of chatter going on between these works—like we’re eavesdropping at a party.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Timothy, are you still there? Don’t pretend otherwise, I know how you like to eavesdrop.”

Read more on Literature

Under normal circumstances she might have objected to letting the children stuff themselves with cake before dinner, but the prospect of eavesdropping on the Ashtons was so deliciously tempting, she let it pass.

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Her eyes darted around, as if she were worried someone might be eavesdropping.

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One former US intelligence official said information gleaned by Colombian officers was often vital in supporting American eavesdropping and satellite intelligence.

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Related Words

• listen in 
• overhear 
• snoop