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

And when he was seen sharing a car with Gordon Brown and stopping off at a Scottish oyster bar, the rumours that Tony Blair was about to stand down intensified.

From BBC

The Sidemen have been working together for more than a decade, and in recent months there have been rumours that the group may disband soon.

From BBC

There have been conspiracy theories around that attack, with unconfirmed rumours that either the Ukrainian, Russian or US government was behind it.

From BBC

When rumours first emerged in October that North Korean troops were about to start supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, it wasn't immediately clear what role they would be fulfilling.

From BBC

The Unite union has urged the company to commit to its future at its Luton and Ellesmere Port factories to address the "fear and rumour" it has created through announcing the strategic review.

From BBC