eavesdrop
verb (used without object)
to listen secretly to a private conversation.
eavesdrops
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present tense formof eavesdrop (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
One of the few au courant innovations on “What’s in the Box?” involves surveillance: As one couple answers questions, the camera eavesdrops on the conversations among their competition, which can range from catty to worse.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 16, 2025
As a teen in Azerbaijan, Kiesling’s Bunny eavesdrops on chatter about oil companies scrambling for position in the post-Soviet state; later, in Texas, she becomes enmeshed in a small energy firm’s dubious involvement with renewables.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2023
Mailata, a five-year veteran, eavesdrops on Kelce’s tutorials to Jurgens so he can learn more about football.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 19, 2023
Madoc breezily retrieves a cocktail and eavesdrops on the guests' appraisals of his latest, ranging from envious to gushing.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2022
Mom eavesdrops on Abuela and me then lambastes us with one of her sixty-odd diatribes when she doesn’t like what she hears.
From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García
