1. listening secretly to other people’s private conversations
Usage: British informal

Examples

• She was caught earwigging on her neighbors through the thin walls.
• Stop earwigging and mind your own business!
• The children were earwigging at the top of the stairs during the adults’ meeting.
• He had a habit of earwigging on phone conversations in the office.
• They suspected someone was earwigging on their private discussions.
• The journalist was accused of earwigging to get information for her story.