Hearsay

Pronunciation

Origin

1525–35; from phrase by hear say, translation of Middle French par ouïr dire.

Full definition of hearsay

Noun

1. information that was heard by one person about another
2. (legal) evidence based on the reports of others rather than on personal knowledge; normally inadmissible because not made under oath
3. (legal) evidence: an out-of-court statement offered in court for the truth of the matter asserted; normally inadmissible because not subject to cross-examination, unless the hearsay statement falls under one of the many exceptions

Synonyms

• report
• rumor
• common talk
• gossip