whisper

¹whis·per

verb \ˈhwis-pər, ˈwis-\

whis·peredwhis·per·ing\-p(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of WHISPER

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

Examples of WHISPER

1. He whispered in my ear.
2. She leaned over and whispered to the girl next to her.
3. I couldn't hear what they were saying because they were whispering.
4. She leaned over and whispered something to the girl next to her.
5. “I'll be right back,” she whispered.
6. A soft breeze whispered through the trees.

Origin of WHISPER

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WHISPER

Synonyms: bruit (about), circulate, noise (about or out), rumor

Related Words: bandy (about), blab, dish, gossip, tattle; bare, disclose, divulge, expose, let on (about), report, reveal, spill, tell; hint, imply, insinuate, intimate, suggest; blaze, broadcast, proclaim, promulgate, propagate, publicize, spread

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Rhymes with WHISPER

crisper, lisper