overhear

[ oh-ver-heer ]

/ ˌoʊ vərˈhɪər /

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of overhear

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

OTHER WORDS FROM overhear

o·ver·hear·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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