eavesdrop
verb (used without object)
to listen secretly to a private conversation.
had been eavesdropping
-
past perfect progressiveof eavesdrop.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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 visit was just a prank by another telegraph operator, who had been eavesdropping on the communications.
From Slate ● May 27, 2024
The resolution was introduced by Brazil and Germany after allegations that the US had been eavesdropping on foreign leaders, including Brazil's Dilma Rousseff and Germany's Angela Merkel.
From BBC ● Dec. 18, 2013
As the former FBI agent pointed out, the NSA had been eavesdropping on a house al-Mihdhar frequented in Yemen.
From Newsweek
Shaw, who had been eavesdropping behind a door, materialized at once and escorted her on an unenlightening tour of his vegetable garden.
From Time Magazine Archive
Mother, who had been eavesdropping from the other room, hissed, “Jozef! Stop this provocation. You love each other.”
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
