# overheard

/ˈoʊvɝˈhɝd/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəhˈɜːd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overheard
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to hear what other people are saying without them knowing you are listening. This usually happens by accident because you are nearby.

For teachers: to hear speech or conversation without the speaker's intention or knowledge. The past tense and past participle of 'overhear'.

## Examples

- I overheard them talking about the surprise party.
- While waiting for my coffee, I accidentally overheard two managers discussing the upcoming office relocation.
- In many classic novels, the plot hinges on a character who has overheard a private confession, leading to a series of misunderstandings that drive the narrative toward its climax.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I overheard to their conversation" but "I overheard their conversation" — Overhear is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- Transitive verb; typically takes a direct object or a clause starting with 'that'.

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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.