overhear
verb (used with object)
to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge.
overheard
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past participleof overhear.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof overhear.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
overhearverb (used with object)to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge.
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 actors speak quietly, as if fearful of being overheard, whether or not there is anyone around to hear, and often regard one another with pained or stunned expressions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
Mr. Wade calls this process of inheritance “catching,” the transmission of a tune without formal notation or instruction, overheard once and absorbed by musicians who may now be little remembered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
She only learned about the reintroduction plan after asking rangers about discussions she had overheard.
From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026
One local, wearing a traffic cone hat was overheard saying he was "totally bummed" his kilt didn't arrive in time.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
I try to whisper so we won’t be overheard.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
