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

But away from the main crowds, some wearing loyalist uniforms whispered a different story: they are public employees, obliged to attend, and still fear speaking freely.

From BBC

She still hadn’t spoken above a loud whisper, but the tone had been keen and insistent.

From Literature

“It’s all right,” Helen whispers, noting my panic and confusing it for mere lateness.

From Literature

If leaving without a goodbye could cause confusion or concern, a discreet farewell—whether whispered to the host or sent via text—strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modern convenience.

From The Wall Street Journal

As I headed home, the hum of Lankershim and the neon blur of bars couldn’t drown out the quiet, unmistakable voice inside me whispering, “I think I just met my future husband.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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