Whisper

/ˈwɪspər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A soft or quiet speech.

His whisper was barely audible over the noise of the crowd.

An utterance made in a very low voice or with little volume.

She heard a whisper of encouragement from her friends.

A rumor or confidential piece of information.

There’s a whisper going around that the company will merge soon.

verb

To speak very softly, using one's breath rather than one's vocal cords.

She leaned in to whisper a secret into his ear.

To speak softly in a hushed tone, often for the sake of confidentiality.

He whispered to her that he had a surprise planned.

To say something in a voice so quiet that it is barely audible.

The teacher had to whisper to the students to keep them from disturbing the class.

Middle English 'whisperen', of uncertain origin; possibly imitative.

whisper sweet nothings

To speak lovingly or flirtatiously in a quiet voice.

whisper in someone's ear

To share a secret or private information to someone quietly.

whisper campaign

A secret or discreet effort to influence opinion through rumors.

murmur

A low or indistinct continuous sound.

buzz

A low, continuous humming or murmuring sound.

hiss

To make a sharp sibilant sound.

To speak quietly or secretly about something.

Let's just whisper about it so no one else hears.

To share gossip in a hushed manner.

They were whispering behind her back about the prom.