hearsay

noun3

1. •
   Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated.

   • The story turned out to be nothing but hearsay.
2. •
   Evidence based on the reports of others, which is normally inadmissible because it was not made under oath, rather than on personal knowledge.

   • The judge ruled the testimony as mere hearsay.
3. •
   An out-of-court statement offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted (or the in-court testimony which recites such a statement), which is normally inadmissible (because it is not subject to cross-examination) unless it falls under one of a number of exceptions.