rumor

noun

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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 More recently, a rumor from Bloomberg relays that Apple is now considering a deal with Foxconn or Magna. — Yoni Heisler, BGR, "Apple just patented this new tech for its most ambitious product ever," 19 Mar. 2021 One rumor, published by Deadline and other outlets, suggests that Abdul-Mateen could be playing a young Morpheus (the character made famous by Laurence Fishburne). — Alex Kane, USA TODAY, "The Matrix 4 is coming to HBO Max—here’s what we know so far," 3 Mar. 2021 And rumor has it that institutional investors are behind this. — Dan Runkevicius, Forbes, "It’s Not A Stock Market Bubble. It’s “A Bubble Of Fear,” Says JPMorgan," 26 Feb. 2021 In fact, rumor has it a new lady will be introduced that has attracted the attention of one Lord Anthony Bridgerton…. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, "Bridgerton Season 2: Who Is Kate? And Why Are Fans Yelling About Her and Anthony?," 21 Jan. 2021 Thanks to Stothard’s narrative skill, readers get a visceral sense of the jittery, clammy life Parmensis must have led in Athens, one ear cocked to every rumor from Rome, constantly suspicious of every new face. — Steve Donoghue, The Christian Science Monitor, "‘The Last Assassin’ breathes life into the events of Julius Caesar’s death," 23 Dec. 2020 At first the newspaper heard only a rumor—something about somebody dying in the jail and the body being shipped out before an autopsy could be performed. — Paul Greenberg, Arkansas Online, "OPINION | PAUL GREENBERG: Tell us," 22 Dec. 2020 So, apparently they’ve been filming Season 16 in some sort of quarantine situation, and rumor has it that Clare Crawley falls in love with one of her suitors early, which means another bachelorette joins the show. — oregonlive, "Fall TV 2020: Your guide to premiere dates for new and returning shows," 4 Sep. 2020 And rumor has it that since Miraval’s opening, Canyon Ranch has applied for its liquor permits. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, "Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa: First In," 3 Sep. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Journalists too must step up, avoiding false equivalency or both-sides-ism; there is no need to give equal time to rumor mongers or conspiracy theorists simply to appear balanced. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, "Too Many Americans Still Mistrust the COVID-19 Vaccines. Here's Why," 5 Jan. 2021 Contrary to rumor, there have been no evacuations ordered. — Julie Jag, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Wildfire burns about 200 acres near Santaquin, but doesn’t force evacuations," 13 Sep. 2020 Medvedev’s job had long been rumored to be at risk as Russia’s economy stagnated and wages shrank for five years running, helping to erode Putin’s popularity. — Jake Rudnitsky, Bloomberg.com, "High-Tech Taxman Who Loves Hockey Is Putin’s New Premier," 29 Apr. 2020 Patterson, originally out of Canada, has long been rumored to be an Oregon lean and his commitment would continue a long line of top-flight Canadian prospects winding up in Eugene. — oregonlive.com, "Prediction: Will elite SG/SF Addison Patterson choose the Oregon Ducks on Sunday?," 18 Aug. 2019 The lone exception might be five-star center Moussa Cisse, who has widely been rumored to be planning a move to the 2020 class, but Kentucky is believed to be trailing other schools in his recruitment. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "No DeAndre Williams, so what are Kentucky basketball's options now in the frontcourt?," 15 May 2020 The exact way forward is not yet clear, but Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Tesla have all announced or are rumored to be restarting production this week or next. — Sebastian Blanco, Car and Driver, "VW, FCA, Tesla Ready to Restart Car Production as Some States Loosen COVID-19 Restrictions," 27 Apr. 2020 Some members of the national media criticized the credentials of those rumored to be joining a second White House task force focused on reopening the American economy after the coronavirus pandemic. — Dominick Mastrangelo, Washington Examiner, "'Words fail me': Some in media bewildered by rumored members of White House economic task force," 13 Apr. 2020 The Coleman deal was of keen interest to the Bruins, who were rumored to have bids in for him in recent days. — Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, "With trade deadline looming, clock is ticking for Bruins," 17 Feb. 2020

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.