eavesdrop

verb

eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp How to pronounce eavesdrop (audio)
eavesdropped; eavesdropping; eavesdrops

intransitive verb

: to listen secretly to what is said in private
eavesdropper noun

Examples of eavesdrop in a Sentence

a nosy traveler who likes to eavesdrop on his fellow airline passengers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Amelia’s future sister-in-law, Abby, her little wave when she’s caught eavesdropping on the poolside conversation between Amelia and her best friend and maid of honor, Merritt Monaco (Meghann Fahy), is a nicely arch bit of physicality. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 The law, designed to allow law enforcement and federal government agencies to more easily gather intelligence, gave authorities the ability to search, seize, detain or eavesdrop on possible terrorists. The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024 By contrast, implanted electrodes can be placed right next to the motor cortex and can eavesdrop on the activity of only those neurons. Dana MacKenzie, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Not trying to eavesdrop, but the friendly chatter around the lovely space was intoxicating. Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eavesdrop 

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from eavesdropper, literally, one standing under the drip from the eaves

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eavesdrop was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near eavesdrop

Cite this Entry

“Eavesdrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eavesdrop. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

eavesdrop

verb
eaves·​drop ˈēvz-ˌdräp How to pronounce eavesdrop (audio)
: to listen secretly to private conversation
eavesdropper noun

Legal Definition

eavesdrop

intransitive verb
eaves·​drop
eavesdropped; eavesdropping
: to listen secretly to what is being said in private without the consent of the speaker compare bug, wiretap
eavesdropper noun

More from Merriam-Webster on eavesdrop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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