whispering

[ hwis-per-ing, wis- ]

noun

1. whispered talk or conversation.
2. rumor, hearsay, or gossip.
3. a whispered sound.

adjective

1. that whispers; making a sound like a whisper.
2. like a whisper.
3. given to whispering; gossipy.
4. conversing in whispers.

Other Words From

• whisper·ing·ly adverb
• half-whisper·ing·ly adverb
• un·whisper·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whispering¹

before 1000; Middle English (noun), Old English hwisprunge. See whisper, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Deep inside one of the world’s largest corn mazes, where the tri-tip sandwiches and soft-serve ice cream purchased at the concession stand have become but a memory and all that can be seen in any direction are dirt paths and dead-end walls of green plants whispering in the breeze, people tend to reveal themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

The second one, the kiss Taddeo calls the real one, closes memory’s distance with sharper edges, and there was no hero whispering, “As you wish.”

From Salon

Britton says: “When you do a 5k your body is screaming at you to stop. In a 24hr your body is whispering the entire time. It’s a constant nag.”

From BBC

The quake was centered south of the 60 Freeway near Archibald Avenue, just east of the Whispering Lakes Golf Course.

From Los Angeles Times

Hearing is the intimate sense that made it possible for you to comprehend a parent’s first words to you, your teenage crush whispering, “I love you”; your newborn’s nightingale cooing, not to mention the enjoyment of a performance of “Der Ring des Nibelungen” or marveling over Elis Regina dulcet singing of “The Girl from Ipanema.”

From Salon