Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Eavesdrop

Eaves′dropˊ

(ēvz′drŏpˊ)
,
Verb.
I.
[
Eaves
+
drop
.]
To stand under the eaves, near a window or at the door, of a house, to listen and learn what is said within doors; hence, to listen secretly to what is said in private.
To
eavesdrop
in disguises.
Milton.

Eaves′dropˊ

,
Noun.
The water which falls in drops from the eaves of a house.

Definition 2024


eavesdrop

eavesdrop

English

Verb

eavesdrop (third-person singular simple present eavesdrops, present participle eavesdropping, simple past and past participle eavesdropped)

  1. To hear a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in.
    I hope nobody was eavesdropping on our conversation last night, since it got so personal.

Usage notes

To eavesdrop usually implies the listener is purposefully trying to hear the conversation of others. To overhear is more often accidental.

Synonyms

  • (hear conversation one is not intended to hear): overhear

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

eavesdrop (plural eavesdrops)

  1. The dripping of rain from the eaves of a house
  2. The space around a house on which such water drips
  3. A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building
  4. The act of intentionally hearing a conversation not intended to be heard

Synonyms

Translations