rumour

British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of rumour

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

Example Sentences

They have been demined since, "but rumour has it it's still not safe," the 15-year-old said.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

Mr Cash said the information he gave Mr Berry was publicly available or "just political gossip that formed part of the everyday Westminster rumour mill".

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

"It remains essential borrowers seek independent advice to navigate the mortgage maze and not feel pressured to secure a deal because of the Budget rumour mill," she said.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2025

But police sources said this rumour was false.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

The others pressed on, but he was ever hindmost, pursued by a groping horror that seemed always just about to seize him; and a rumour came after him like the shadow-sound of many feet.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien