overhear
oh-v-HIH
Overhear (verb) means to hear something by chance that was not meant for one's ears. Example: “She overheard two coworkers gossiping about the layoffs.”
verb
1
To hear something by chance that was not meant for one's ears.
"I was hanging clothes in the garden and I overheard the neighbours talking about Sheila's pregnancy."
""It is incomprehensible," replied Sir Fergus, dropping his voice so that the old man could not overhear."
— Ernest Bramah, The Eyes of Max Carrados (1923)
"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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- overhears
- Past tense
- overheard
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ two coworkers gossiping about the layoffs.
Etymology
From Old English oferhīeran, from over- + hear.
Synonyms
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catch
take in
Related words
Rhymes for overhear
See all rhymes for overhear →Frequently asked questions
What does “overhear” mean?
The word “overhear” means to hear something by chance that was not meant for one's ears. In plain terms, to catch part of a conversation you weren't supposed to be listening to.
How do you pronounce “overhear”?
“Overhear” is pronounced oh-v-HIH (/oʊ.vɚˈhɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “overhear” in a sentence?
Here is “overhear” used in a sentence: “She overheard two coworkers gossiping about the layoffs.”
What part of speech is “overhear”?
“Overhear” is a verb.
Where does the word “overhear” come from?
The word “overhear” comes from Old English. From Old English oferhīeran, from over- + hear.
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