noun

overhearing

Overhearing (noun) means the act of catching a conversation you were not meant to be part of. Example: “A bit of overhearing on the train told her everything about the office scandal.”

noun

The act of catching a conversation you were not meant to be part of.

"A bit of overhearing on the train told her everything about the office scandal."

"The plot hinges on overhearing a private call at the wrong moment."

How to use overhearing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe noun form of "overhear" — picking up on someone else's conversation by accident.

Common pairings

a bit of overhearing accidental overhearing

Word forms

overhearings plural

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A bit of _____ on the train told her everything about the office scandal.

Rhymes for overhearing

daring caring baring raring Waring hearing bearing wearing sharing staring roaring searing

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Frequently asked questions

What does “overhearing” mean?

The word “overhearing” means the act of catching a conversation you were not meant to be part of. In plain terms, the noun form of "overhear" — picking up on someone else's conversation by accident.

How do you use “overhearing” in a sentence?

Here is “overhearing” used in a sentence: “A bit of overhearing on the train told her everything about the office scandal.”

What part of speech is “overhearing”?

“Overhearing” is a noun.

What is the meaning of overhearing?

"overhearing" (noun) means the act of catching a conversation you were not meant to be part of.