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