# wiretap

/ˈwaɪɝˌtæp/ (US) · /wˈaɪətæp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wiretap
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a hidden device used to listen to or record someone's private phone calls. Police or government agents often use this to gather evidence during an investigation.

For teachers: a concealed electronic device or connection used for the monitoring and recording of telephone or telegraph communications. Often authorised by a warrant in legal contexts to gather intelligence or evidence.

## Examples

- The police placed a wiretap on the suspect's phone.
- Evidence from the wiretap revealed that the group was planning a major heist for the following weekend.
- Legal scholars debated whether the evidence obtained via the unauthorised wiretap should be admissible in court, given the potential violation of constitutional privacy rights.

## Synonyms

tap, Bug

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'place', 'install', or 'authorise'.

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