overhear

Word parts

over- + hear

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /oʊ.vɚˈhɪɚ/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form overhear

Third-person singular overhears

Past tense overheard

Past participle overheard

Present participle overhearing

1. If you overhear something, you hear things which are not meant for you (or which you should not hear).
   • Synonym: eavesdrop

   I overheard a conversation between David and his friends that they are going to cheat in the competition.