whisper

verb

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whis·per | \ ˈ(h)wi-spər

whispered; whispering\ ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ

Definition of whisper

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

whisper

noun

Definition of whisper (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : something communicated by or as if by whispering especially : rumor whispers of scandal

2a : an act or instance of whispering especially : speech without vibration of the vocal cords

b : a sibilant sound that resembles whispered speech

3 : hint, trace

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about whisper

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Examples of whisper in a Sentence

Verb He whispered in my ear. She leaned over and whispered to the girl next to her. I couldn't hear what they were saying because they were whispering. She leaned over and whispered something to the girl next to her. “I'll be right back,” she whispered. A soft breeze whispered through the trees. Noun She spoke in a whisper. the whisper of the wind I've heard whispers that the company might go out of business.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb If only someone were there to whisper this every hour of my life. — New York Times, "I Spent My Life Consenting to Touch I Didn’t Want," 31 Mar. 2021 Whether earth or pavement, those places remember things and whisper them back. — Charles M. Blow New York Times, Star Tribune, "On hallowed ground: The substance of George Floyd Square," 29 Mar. 2021 Eighth-graders haven’t learned to whisper yet, so literally everyone in the classroom hears this. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, "Good Trouble Recap: Boundaries and Bra Straps," 17 Mar. 2021 Of all that has changed over centuries along the Gunflint Trail, the greeting that pines whisper to old-timers and newcomers alike has been constant. — Star Tribune, "Storied Gunflint Trail hints of change," 12 Feb. 2021 One Santa has created a mock mail room, Howe says, so kids can whisper their wishes through the post office window but still maintain a safe distance. — Charisse Jones, USA TODAY, "Is Santa Claus still coming to the mall for Christmas 2020? Here's how the tradition is changing during COVID-19," 20 Nov. 2020 One Santa has created a mock mail room, Howe says, so kids can whisper their wishes through the post office window but still maintain a safe distance. — Charisse Jones, USA TODAY, "Is Santa Claus still coming to the mall for Christmas 2020? Here's how the tradition is changing during COVID-19," 20 Nov. 2020 Melanie stepped onto the ladder to whisper to Jerry. — Robin Erb, Detroit Free Press, "Her husband had Alzheimer's and COVID-19. She couldn't be there with him as he died.," 23 Nov. 2020 One Santa has created a mock mail room, Howe says, so kids can whisper their wishes through the post office window but still maintain a safe distance. — Charisse Jones, USA TODAY, "Is Santa Claus still coming to the mall for Christmas 2020? Here's how the tradition is changing during COVID-19," 20 Nov. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The high-speed mode is great for faster dehumidification, while the low-speed mode is better suited for overnight use because of its whisper-quiet operation. — Zarah Kavarana, Better Homes & Gardens, "The 9 Best Small Dehumidifiers to Protect Your Home from Humidity," 6 Apr. 2021 Long after the trial is over and the crowds stop trickling in, this spot of earth will still release its memory in a whisper, saying his name, George Floyd. — Charles M. Blow New York Times, Star Tribune, "On hallowed ground: The substance of George Floyd Square," 29 Mar. 2021 Four fan speeds, whisper-quiet operation, and CARB compliance make this one an especially good pick for allergy sufferers. — Popular Science, "Best air purifiers: Cleaner indoor air at the push of a button," 15 Mar. 2021 There are two speed options — high and low — along with a sleep mode for whisper-quiet purification overnight or while attending virtual work meetings from home. — Nicole Saunders, NBC News, "Affordable air purifiers under $100 from Toshiba, Levoitt and Bissel," 28 Oct. 2020 There's a major difference when idling; an M5 registers 50 dBa to the M550i's 40-dBa whisper. — Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2021 BMW M550i xDrive Has M5 Envy," 26 Mar. 2021 Birkin whisper-sings with carnal reverie and eventually breaks out into orgasmic moans. — Washington Post, "Jane Birkin is back with a new album, but her presence is everlasting," 19 Mar. 2021 If the youth treatment regulation bill lacked any whisper of dissent, quite the opposite was true of HB302, seeking to ban transgender girls from participating in female sports programs in elementary and secondary schools. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Five big actions from Utah lawmakers this week," 13 Feb. 2021 While other earbuds overcompensated and turned our voice into an ASMR-like whisper, Earfun Air produced clear vocals with minimal background noise. — Michael Andronico, CNN Underscored, "The best work from home earbuds and headphones," 12 Mar. 2021

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