overhear
verb (used with object)
to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge.
overhearing
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present participleof overhear.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
“After overhearing a passionate ideological dispute around her own kitchen table between the future Nobel laureate for literature and his radical friends from the University of Chicago, she muttered: ‘Smart, smart, smart.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 17, 2025
In notes found by Antony in the suitcase, Peter recalled overhearing conversations between his parents, and whispers about Nazi threats.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2025
“Kids are often being exposed to these topics anyway, through their peers, the media and overhearing conversations,” said Wenner Moyer.
From Salon ● Oct. 7, 2024
“There’s obviously a lot of fun to be had with an unreliable narrator who’s not only unreliable to the people that are overhearing the narration but unto himself,” Walker notes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2023
Have you been overhearing new words you don’t understand?
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
