1
: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source
We make our blunders … as rumor has it that you make your own.—
Benjamin N. Cardozo
Benjamin N. Cardozo2
: a statement or report current without known authority for its truth
She accused them of spreading rumors about her.
"Have you heard they broke up?" "That's just a rumor."
3
archaic
: talk or report of a notable person or event
4
: a soft low indistinct sound : murmur
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
Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
The pair also leaned into the rumors of their off-screen romance.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Even before auditions started, there’s been rampant speculation about who might wield Bond’s Walther PPK, with everyone from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be in contention for the role.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
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Noun
Then, in January, residents heard rumors that a steel barrier was in the works.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
The pair also leaned into the rumors of their off-screen romance.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Verb
The German shipyard has just delivered the striking Boardwalk to its owner, who is rumored to be none other than Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta; the billionaire teamed up has four other superyachts with the same moniker (including one with Feadship), each larger than the next.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
Even before auditions started, there’s been rampant speculation about who might wield Bond’s Walther PPK, with everyone from Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be in contention for the role.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
Cite this Entry
“Rumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumor. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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