rumor

1 of 2

noun

ru·​mor ˈrü-mər How to pronounce rumor (audio)
1
: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source
2
: a statement or report current without known authority for its truth
3
archaic : talk or report of a notable person or event
4
: a soft low indistinct sound : murmur

rumor

2 of 2

verb

rumored; rumoring

transitive verb

: to tell or spread by rumor

Examples of rumor in a Sentence

Noun There are rumors that they are making a new film. She accused him of starting rumors about her. Ever since his sudden resignation, rumors have been flying. I heard a rumor that they broke up. “Did you hear that they broke up?” “That's just a rumor.” The rumor turned out to be false. You can't fire him solely based on rumor. Rumor has it that they broke up. Verb for years people have been rumoring the CEO's imminent retirement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For those suggesting that the network could no longer afford to pay their high-profile cast, a second source denied those rumors, telling PEOPLE that Bravo decided on a reboot before salary negotiations even began. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024 One of the teams that continues to find itself in the middle of all the trade rumors, for good reason, is the St. Louis Cardinals. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
He’s currently ranked No. 4 in the middleweight division, and No. 2 Israel Adesanya is rumored to be headed for a fight with No. 6 Nassourdine Imavov in February. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 While several stars have been rumored to be circling the splashy project, including Pual Mescal and Joseph Quinn, no deals have been made with any of the cast. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rumor 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rumour, from Anglo-French, from Latin rumor clamor, gossip; akin to Old English rēon to lament, Sanskrit rauti he roars

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rumor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rumor

Cite this Entry

“Rumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumor. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rumor

1 of 2 noun
ru·​mor ˈrü-mər How to pronounce rumor (audio)
1
: a widely held opinion having no known source : hearsay
2
: a statement or story that is in circulation but has not been proved to be true

rumor

2 of 2 verb
rumored; rumoring
ˈrüm-(ə-)riŋ
: to tell by rumor : spread a rumor

More from Merriam-Webster on rumor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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