rumor

noun

ru·mor | \ ˈrü-mər

Definition of rumor

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb

rumored; rumoring

Definition of rumor (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to tell or spread by rumor

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about rumor

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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: Noun

The rumor mill, however, has been working overtime to create some type of feud between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "The Latest Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton 'Feud' Rumor Doesn't Even Make Sense," 3 Jan. 2019 And there’s a Baldur’s Gate 3 in the works? 2003’s rumor mill is churning hard this week. — Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "This week in games: Walking Dead resurrected, Baldur's Gate 3 rumors, Into the Breach done quick," 12 Oct. 2018 The rumor mill is also churning with some celebrity names like Sir Elton John, Ellie Goulding, Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, and maybe even a Clooney repeat. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Everything You Need to Know About Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s Wedding," 8 Oct. 2018 One of the more intriguing shows currently in the rumor mill is an untitled animated production. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "Where Is Star Trek Boldly Going?," 10 Sep. 2018 By the end of the first week, Salisbury's rumor mill was in full swing, and all fingers pointed to Moscow. — Francesca Ebel, Fox News, "A journalist sees her worlds collide in nerve agent attack," 9 Aug. 2018 With the beginning of Seahawks’ training camp now less than 48 hours away, the Earl Thomas rumor mill is predictably beginning to pick up steam. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Report: Earl Thomas plans to sell Seattle home and also is ‘willing’ to play for Raiders along with Cowboys," 24 July 2018 Unlike with Meghan Markle's dress back in May, the rumor mill has been relatively quiet about who might design Eugenie's gown, but fashion experts predict the young royal will choose a bold look. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Everything We Know About Princess Eugenie's Wedding Dress," 19 July 2018 But after some time in the online rumor mill, that decision might look a lot more extreme — like Ben & Jerry’s naming one of its frozen treats after a man who was sentenced to death for killing a police officer. — Adi Robertson, The Verge, "Darren Aronofsky’s Pi day: this week in tech, 20 years ago," 14 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Yes, Nick and Priyanka are rumored to be exchanging their vows inside a literal palace. — Christopher Rosa, Teen Vogue, "Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Are Reportedly Getting Married at the Umaid Bhawan Palace," 12 Nov. 2018 Yes, Jonas and Chopra are rumored to be exchanging their vows inside a literal palace. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Are Reportedly Getting Married in a Literal Palace," 12 Nov. 2018 Getty Images Since back in May of this year when Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas were first rumored to be dating, life has been a total whirlwind for the couple. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Everything We Know So Far About Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' Wedding Plans," 25 Oct. 2018 Speaking of Apple Watches: the company is rumored to be releasing new models in September as well. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "All three iPhones coming this fall will reportedly have edge-to-edge displays," 27 Aug. 2018 Gomez unfollowed Collins on Instagram back in March, when Theroux was rumored to be spending a lot of time with her. — Allie Jones, The Cut, "Met Gala Gossip: Emma Stone and Justin Theroux Left the After-Party Together," 9 May 2018 Rachel McAdams is rumored to be returning as well, as Stephen Strange's somewhat-reluctant love interest, while Scott Derrickson will reportedly return to the director's chair. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Not dusted for good? There’s a sequel in the works for Doctor Strange," 11 Dec. 2018 Dozens of top military officials, including Uganda’s special-forces commander and Mr. Museveni’s son and rumored heir, studied at Kim Il Sung military academy. — Joe Parkinson, WSJ, "Never Take Their Photos: Tracking the Commandos, North Korea’s Secret Export," 9 Dec. 2018 Up until then, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were rumored to move into the 22-room apartment on Kensington Palace grounds, located next to Prince William and Kate Middleton's residence. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Real Reason Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Leaving Kensington Palace," 26 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rumor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.