overhear
verb (used with object)
to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge.
was overhearing
-
past progressiveof overhear.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 precipitating event was overhearing Little Anthony and the Imperials’ “Tears on My Pillow” on the radio while working at his father’s fish market.
From New York Times ● Dec. 23, 2022
"I was always confused and felt that somebody was overhearing me, somebody was looking at me."
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2019
I was at a restaurant the other day and this young kid was overhearing me preaching, you know.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 7, 2018
These days, to judge from what I was overhearing, it seemed to be exclusively about yourself.
From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2016
He didn’t fully understand what he was overhearing, but he didn’t like the sound of it at all.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
