rumour

/ ˈruːmə /

noun

1. 1. information, often a mixture of truth and untruth, passed around verbally
   2. ( in combination )

      a rumour-monger

2. gossip or hearsay
3. archaic.
   din or clamour
4. obsolete.
   fame or reputation

verb

1. tr; usually passive to pass around or circulate in the form of a rumour

   it is rumoured that the Queen is coming

2. literary.
   to make or cause to make a murmuring noise

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumour¹

C14: via Old French from Latin rūmor common talk; related to Old Norse rymja to roar, Sanskrit rāut he cries

Example Sentences

Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said by focusing on Mr Kaba’s ethnicity, they had created "rumour and innuendo” which could “embolden those who work against the public".

From BBC

It's understood a rumour circulated online that a parade was due to take place on O'Connell Street.

From BBC

That’s why in the Southport case, and faced with an astonishing online rumour mill suggesting the suspect was an illegal immigrant, Merseyside Police clarified that the 17-year-old they’d arrested had been born in Cardiff.

From BBC

Contrary to popular belief, the grandson of Robert McCulloch has now reiterated the truth to BBC London, and insisted the rumour was "not true at all".

From BBC

According to the website for neighbouring Tower Bridge, the alternative version of what happened became a "popular rumour", but was "vehemently denied" both by Robert McCulloch and by Ivan Luckin from the City’s Common Council, who arranged the sale.

From BBC