whisper
whisper Lexical Profile
whisper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A very soft, hushed speaking voice produced using the breath without vibrating the vocal cords, or a remark spoken in this way.
"She leaned across the library table and spoke in a barely audible whisper."
A soft, rustling sound, such as that made by wind blowing gently through leaves.
"The only sound in the clearing was the gentle whisper of the breeze through the pine needles."
A privately circulated rumor, hint, or piece of gossip, or a faint trace of something.
"Whispers of an impending corporate merger had been circulating through the office for weeks."
• verb
To speak very softly using one's breath rather than the vocal cords, especially for the sake of privacy or secrecy.
"He leaned over to whisper the answer into his friend's ear during the trivia game."
To make a soft, rustling, or murmuring sound (especially of wind, leaves, or water).
"The autumn wind whispered through the dry cornstalks at the edge of the field."
To spread or pass along a rumor or piece of information privately and discreetly.
"Critics have begun to whisper that the director's latest project is well over budget."
• Rhymes for whisper
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old English 'hwisprian' (to murmur or whisper), a word of imitative Germanic origin that mimics the soft, breathy sound of quiet speech.