whisper

[ hwis-per, wis-per ]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak with soft, hushed sounds, using the breath, lips, etc., but with no vibration of the vocal cords.
2. Phonetics. to produce utterance substituting breath for phonation.
3. to talk softly and privately (often implying gossip, slander, plotting, or the like):

   The king knew that the courtiers were whispering.

4. (of trees, water, breezes, etc.) to make a soft, rustling sound like that of whispering.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with soft, low sounds, using the breath, lips, etc.:

   He whispered endearments to her.

2. Phonetics. to utter (speech sounds) substituting breath for phonation.
3. to say or tell in a whisper; tell privately.
4. to speak to or tell (a person) in a whisper or privately.

noun

1. the mode of utterance, or the voice, of a person who whispers:

   to speak in a whisper.

2. a word or remark uttered by whispering.
3. a rumor or insinuation:

   Whispers circulated about the affair.

4. a soft, rustling sound like a whisper:

   the whisper of leaves in the wind.

whisper

/ ˈwɪspə /

verb

1. to speak or utter (something) in a soft hushed tone, esp without vibration of the vocal cords
2. intr to speak secretly or furtively, as in promoting intrigue, gossip, etc
3. intr (of leaves, trees, etc) to make a low soft rustling sound
4. tr to utter or suggest secretly or privately

   to whisper treason

noun

1. a low soft voice

   to speak in a whisper

2. something uttered in such a voice
3. a low soft rustling sound
4. a trace or suspicion
5. informal.
   a rumour or secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisper¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English whisperen (verb), Old English hwisprian; akin to German wispern, Old Norse hviskra, hvīsla “to whistle”; whine

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisper¹

Old English hwisprian; related to Old Norse hvīskra, Old High German hwispalōn, Dutch wispern

Idioms and Phrases

see stage whisper .

Example Sentences

She was forced to give up her business, and an infection during chemotherapy damaged her vocal cords, reducing her voice to a whisper.

From BBC

You could hear it being whispered in the breakfast hall of the Malaga hotel where travelling British fans were tucking into their Spanish tortilla.

From BBC

Eventually, we heard whispers of a respite from all the stats, an oasis of peace:

From Salon

The shocking poll comes amid whispers that Trump's internal polling is bleak, showing a much bigger Harris win than might be expected on Election Day.

From Salon

When he won, I whispered in her ear, ‘He’s no Secretariat. I think this is as close as I’ll ever get.’

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buzz
• confide
• hiss
• mumble
• murmur
• mutter
• sigh