whisper

1 of 2

verb

whis·​per ˈ(h)wi-spər 

whispered; whispering ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to speak softly with little or no vibration of the vocal cords especially to avoid being overheard

2

: to make a sibilant sound that resembles whispering

transitive verb

1

: to address in a whisper

2

: to utter or communicate in or as if in a whisper

whisper

2 of 2

noun

1

: something communicated by or as if by whispering

especially : rumor

whispers of scandal

2

a

: an act or instance of whispering

especially : speech without vibration of the vocal cords

b

: a sibilant sound that resembles whispered speech

3

: hint, trace

Synonyms

Verb

• bruit (about)
• circulate
• noise (about or abroad)
• rumor

Noun

• canard
• story
• tale

Examples of whisper in a Sentence

Verb

He whispered in my ear.

She leaned over and whispered to the girl next to her.

I couldn't hear what they were saying because they were whispering.

She leaned over and whispered something to the girl next to her.

“I'll be right back,” she whispered.

A soft breeze whispered through the trees.

Noun

She spoke in a whisper.

the whisper of the wind

I've heard whispers that the company might go out of business.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Tree limbs whispered in the night wind as if urging them on. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024

Luckily, just in time, Nick whispers the one word in the (British) English language that instantly turns back the clock. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Noun

Wednesday’s report comes after earlier data showed the economy added a whopping 254,000 jobs in September, inflation is a whisper away from the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and consumer confidence jumped this month by the fastest clip since March of 2021 — all signs of a robust economy. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

There was also a missed opportunity during the Tribal whispers portion of the evening. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English hwisperian; akin to Old High German hwispalōn to whisper, Old Norse hvīsla — more at whistle

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing whisper

• stage whisper

Kids Definition

whisper

1 of 2 verb

whis·​per ˈhwis-pər 

ˈwis-

whispered; whispering -p(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to speak very softly or under the breath

2

: to tell or utter by whispering

whisper a secret

3

: to make a series of little noises

whispering leaves

whisperer

-pər-ər

noun

whisper

2 of 2 noun

1

: something said by or as if by whispering

especially : rumor entry 1

whispers of scandal

2

: an act or instance of whispering

3

: a barely noticeable amount : hint

showed only a whisper of concern