overhear

[ oh-ver-heer ]

/ ˌoʊ vərˈhɪər /

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See synonyms for: overhear / overheard on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), o·ver·heard, o·ver·hear·ing.

to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge: I accidentally overheard what they were saying.

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Origin of overhear

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

OTHER WORDS FROM overhear

o·ver·hear·er, noun

How to use overhear in a sentence

A colleague overheard two conservative Mass. lawmakers talking about what “the gays” could do.
The Real Story Behind the Fight for Marriage Equality|E.J. Graff|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“All these questions from journalists,” he said, in a voice that was just loud enough to be overheard.
North Korea’s Propaganda Art Exhibit in London|Nico Hines|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They would speak up, but in tones still soft and placid; and Spahn often overheard them describing him as a “beautiful person.”
Gay Talese on Charlie Manson’s Home on the Range|Gay Talese|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A few days later, I overheard someone say a person they knew had "lost the battle" against cancer.
No One Ever Loses to Cancer|Dushka Zapata|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST

At that point, a sphere lit up, resembling the landing of the UFO in E.T., and the overheard lights descended on the stage.
I'm Not Country or Pop. I'm Just Pure Garth Brooks.|David Masciotra|September 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Grandfather Mole overheard Mrs. Robin making such a remark he would quite likely advise her to "try a smaller one."
The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey
“There is no static to-night,” said Mr. Brandon, who overheard the enthusiastic girl.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn|Margaret Penrose
Here the train-hand who overheard the talk, stepped up, and inquired, "Have you lost anything?"
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
You may be overheard, and give pain or cause annoyance by your untimely conversation.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
"I always make it a point to be punctual," Lamb dawdling in the background, overheard him say.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various

British Dictionary definitions for overhear

overhear

/ (ˌəʊvəˈhɪə) /

verb -hears, -hearing or -heard

(tr) to hear (a person, remark, etc) without the knowledge of the speaker

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

overhear

Origin of overhear

OTHER WORDS FROM overhear

Words related to overhear

How to use overhear in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for overhear