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 Words From

• over·hearer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overhear¹

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

Example Sentences

He tends bar at his club and often overhears young people talking over drinks about politics, venting about how much tax money California takes from their paychecks.

From Los Angeles Times

“Someone got shot outside,” an attendee of a conference was overheard saying on his way upstairs, where people were chatting over cups of coffee before the day’s events began.

From New York Times

Mr Jackson said six or seven police officers then boarded the plane and he overheard a flight attendant say a woman had been going from one lavatory to the other during the flight.

From BBC

Your brother’s clueless girlfriend once called Harris a “DEI hire” because she overheard it on Fox News.

From Los Angeles Times

After failing to politely persuade the restauranteurs that my guide dog was well-behaved and then reiterating that it is unlawful to refuse access, one customer who'd overheard me voiced their disgust at the restaurant’s attitude.

From BBC

Related Words

• accept
• admit
• attend
• get
• observe
• take notice
• tune in