Hearsay

/ˈhɪərseɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Information received from other people that cannot be substantiated; unverified information or rumor.

The lawyer objected to the witness's statement, claiming it was based solely on hearsay.

A statement made in court that is not based on a witness's direct knowledge, but rather on what others have said.

In legal terms, hearsay evidence is often inadmissible unless it falls under specific exceptions.

Gossip or rumors about someone's actions or behavior.

Much of the conversation at the party was hearsay about the recent scandal involving a celebrity.

Middle English: from hear + say.

hearsay evidence

Testimony that is not based on a witness's direct experience.

hearsay rule

A legal rule barring the use of hearsay in courts.

rumor mill

A situation in which rumors or gossip are spread.

testimony

A formal written or spoken statement, especially in a court of law.

witness

A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.

Chit-chat

I heard all that through the chit-chat at the office.

Second-hand information

Don't take that as fact; it's just second-hand information.