verb
overhear
oh-v-HIH
verb
1
To hear something by chance that was not meant for one's ears.
"She overheard two coworkers gossiping about the layoffs."
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation on the train."
How to Use Overhear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo catch part of a conversation you weren't supposed to be listening to.
Common pairings
overhear a conversation
couldn't help but overhear
Word Forms
overheard past tense, overhears singular
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She _____ two coworkers gossiping about the layoffs.
Etymology
From Old English oferhīeran, from over- + hear.