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 Word Forms

• 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

Haughty, hypocritical Dingley, she fears, won’t want anything to do with the family once this scandal goes viral, which in the Regency period translates into a wildfire of whispering throughout polite society.

From Los Angeles Times

Godley was whispering the line "Be quiet - big boys don't cry" in the control room when Cathy popped in to deliver a message.

From BBC

Wallen made an abrupt exit at the end of the episode, whispering something to host Mikey Madison before storming off the stage.

From Salon

A blend of whispering salsa, R&B and trippy pop, the album chronicled the duo’s complicated return to Puerto Rico from New York following the devastation of Hurricane Maria.

From Los Angeles Times

But the five innings Yamamoto pitched on Tuesday night confirmed what coaches and players were whispering about in spring training: Yamamoto returned for his second major league season a new pitcher.

From Los Angeles Times