rumor

[ roo-mer ]

noun

1. a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts:

   a rumor of war.

   Synonyms: report

2. gossip; hearsay:

   Don't listen to rumor.

3. Archaic. a continuous, confused noise; clamor; din.

verb (used with object)

1. to circulate, report, or assert by a rumor:

   It is rumored that the king is dead.

Other Words From

• un·rumored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumor¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English rumour, from Middle French, from Latin rūmor; akin to Sanskrit rāuti, rāvati “(he) cries”

Example Sentences

Correlations are the rumor mill of science.

From Slate

“It is disappointing that some would make up and circulate a rumor about him.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Now, is there truth to the rumor that you’re going to take over at DHS?”

From Salon

Consider: A dumb, racist rumor was born on social media.

From Slate

The country’s most consequential political figure then vaguely and viciously asserted the rumor as fact, thus giving his fans and followers permission to do the same.

From Slate