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

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

Instead, he gave him the hug, pulling him close and whispering in his ear in a scene that went viral.

From Los Angeles Times

She and her husband sat together at the counsel table, with a translator behind them, whispering Spanish translations into a microphone.

From Los Angeles Times

“I had a bowl of Cheerios and was eating the Cheerios, and I remember my dad coming over and whispering to me, ‘You don’t actually have to eat the Cheerios.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Dozens of people visited the farm each day, whispering in awed tones, “It’s here.”

From Los Angeles Times