whisper

1 of 2

verb

whis·​per ˈ(h)wi-spər 

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

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

2 of 2

noun

1

: something communicated by or as if by whispering

especially : rumor

whispers of scandal

2

a

: 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

Verb

• rumor
• reveal
• hint

Noun

• tale
• story

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

Firefighters whisper about a gas main as a little girl, Dinah, is carried out of the wreckage—the sole survivor of a blast that killed her mom. —Judy Berman, Time, 29 Oct. 2025

Just hearing this phrase whispered on the other end of the phone is enough to send a chill up your spine. —Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025

Noun

There was affairs and divorces and whispers and gossip, all the stuff that makes good bands break up. —Alan Light, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025

With the Cielo’s top down and that uncommon V-6 engine perched behind one’s noggin, the whispers and sighs of its dual turbochargers only add to the charm. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English hwisperian; akin to Old High German hwispalōn to whisper, Old Norse hvīsla — more at whistle

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing whisper

• stage whisper

Kids Definition

whisper

1 of 2 verb

whis·​per ˈhwis-pər 

ˈwis-

whispered; whispering -p(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to speak very softly or under the breath

2

: to tell or utter by whispering

whisper a secret

3

: to make a series of little noises

whispering leaves

whisperer

-pər-ər

noun

whisper

2 of 2 noun

1

: something said by or as if by whispering

especially : rumor entry 1

whispers of scandal

2

: an act or instance of whispering

3

: a barely noticeable amount : hint

showed only a whisper of concern