whisper

American  

[hwis-per, wis-per] / ˈʰwɪs pər, ˈwɪs pər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

whisper Idioms  

1. see stage whisper.

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Etymology

Origin of whisper

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

Example Sentences

“That’s a long bus ride,” she whispers, her arm directing us to come inside.

From Literature

"That is quite intriguing to people because what you tend to find when you bump into famous people in the Cotswolds is they're very much on their best behaviour," Llewelyn-Bowen whispered.

From BBC

You know that expression, “money talks, wealth whispers”? Well, these two haven’t whispered a day in their lives.

From Salon

But now the whispers are growing into a chorus.

From Los Angeles Times

This one she barely whispers, her voice so quiet I can’t hear her.

From Literature

Related Words

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