verb

eavesdrop

EEVZ-drop

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Eavesdrop (verb) means to secretly listen in on a conversation you were not meant to hear. Example: “She stood by the door, eavesdropping on her parents' argument.”

verb

To secretly listen in on a conversation you were not meant to hear.

"She stood by the door, eavesdropping on her parents' argument."

"He accidentally eavesdropped on a private call while waiting in the hallway."

noun

The narrow strip of ground around a house where rainwater drips off the roof.

"Weeds had grown thick along the eavesdrop at the back of the cottage."

How to use eavesdrop

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishListening in on a conversation that isn't yours to hear, usually secretly.

Common mistake

Always used with "on" — you eavesdrop ON a conversation, not eavesdrop a conversation.

Common pairings

eavesdrop on a conversation caught eavesdropping eavesdrop on someone

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: eavesdrops
Third person singular: eavesdrops
Past tense: eavesdropped

Test yourself on “eavesdrop” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Weeds had grown thick along the _____ at the back of the cottage.

Etymology

From "eaves" (the overhanging edge of a roof) plus "drop" — originally the ground where rain dripped off the roof; the "secret listening" sense grew from picturing someone lurking in that spot to overhear what was said inside.

Synonyms

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eavesdrip

Related words

eavesdrip eaves

Frequently asked questions

What does “eavesdrop” mean?

The word “eavesdrop” means to secretly listen in on a conversation you were not meant to hear. In plain terms, listening in on a conversation that isn't yours to hear, usually secretly.

How do you pronounce “eavesdrop”?

“Eavesdrop” is pronounced EEVZ-drop (/ˈivzˌdɹɑp/ in IPA).

How do you use “eavesdrop” in a sentence?

Here is “eavesdrop” used in a sentence: “She stood by the door, eavesdropping on her parents' argument.”

What is another word for “eavesdrop”?

Words with a similar meaning to “eavesdrop” include eavesdrip.

What part of speech is “eavesdrop”?

Depending on how it is used, “eavesdrop” can be a verb and a noun.

How many meanings does “eavesdrop” have?

“Eavesdrop” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to secretly listen in on a conversation you were not meant to hear.

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