whistleblower

American  

[wis-uhl-bloh-er, hwis-] / ˈwɪs əlˌbloʊ ər, ˈʰwɪs- /

Sometimes whistle blower or whistle-blower

noun

1. a person who informs on another or makes public disclosure of corruption, wrongdoing, problems, or secret information, especially within an organization.

---

Other Word Forms

• whistle-blowing noun
• whistleblowing noun

Etymology

Origin of whistleblower

First recorded in 1965–70; whistle ( def. ) + blower ( def. )

Example Sentences

Cipriani, a self-professed fixer, whistleblower and professional gambler who had been spreading innuendo about Shell on social media, according to court filings in a continuing legal dispute between the men.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Blumenthal asserted that, according to a whistleblower, ICE agents have been instructed to break into homes and Mullin pushed back, accusing Blumenthal of using the term break in "loosely".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The Post said the whistleblower issued the complaint anonymously because they feared retaliation.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

Carson’s attorneys also say Battle “cannot establish the essential elements of his whistleblower claim” and that his case lacks triable issues.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

Regardless of the government’s determination, the whistleblower is still permitted to share the complaint directly with Congress.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2026

Related Words

• informant
• informer