Main Entry: ¹whis·per

Pronunciation: \ˈhwis-pər, ˈwis-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): whis·pered; whis·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\

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

Date: before 12th century

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 whisperingtransitive verb 1 : to address in a whisper
2 : to utter or communicate in or as if in a whisper