overhearing

2 definitions • 6 examples

to hear what other people are saying without intending to and without their knowledge:

I overheard a very funny conversation on the bus this morning.

[ + obj + -ing verb ] He overheard his daughter telling her doll not to be so naughty.

[ + obj + infinitive without to ] We overheard them say that they didn't really like the food.

I'm sorry, I couldn't help overhearing.

to hear what other people are saying unintentionally and without their knowledge:

[ T ] I overheard a funny conversation on the bus this morning.

[ I ] They were so loud, I couldn’t help overhearing.