# overhear

/ˈoʊvɝˈhiɹ/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəhˈiə/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overhear
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to hear what people around you are saying when they are not talking to you, usually by accident.

For teachers: to perceive speech not directed at the listener, typically unintentionally or without the speakers' knowledge.

## Examples

- I often overhear conversations on the busy train.
- She overheard two colleagues discussing layoffs while waiting for coffee in the break room.
- Sitting behind the thin partition, he overheard fragments of the negotiation that revealed far more about the company's fears than any official statement ever could.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.