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 whisperings I heard of brand deals and $5,000 contracts for a set of Instagram stories hovered just above me, something that only felt attainable with a college degree and a day job in marketing.

From Vox

Once they parked, there was presumably some frantic whispering, and lots of cussing.

From Vox

A refrigerator’s noise runs on average at 50 decibels, while a whispering conversation hovers around 20 decibels.

From Popular-Science

Whispering to himself and bowing, he touches his forehead to the ground.

From The Daily Beast

Bartiromo is, of course, just another gossipmonger and Newsball is his online whispering-gallery.

From The Daily Beast

The budget is a mess and officials in Trenton are whispering about a state takeover of the city's finances.

From The Daily Beast

The World Wide Web is whispering that it's actually a reference to Avril Lavigne's own, well, “kitty.”

From The Daily Beast

I studied them to see if they were whispering to each other, to talk about what to do.

From The Daily Beast

The old man seemed to be greatly agitated, and hurriedly whispering, "We thought you were never coming, sir!"

From Project Gutenberg

And Tony leaned over as he talked, bringing their lips within whispering distance.

From Project Gutenberg

How still it was, with only the voice of the sea whispering through the reeds that grew in the salt-water pools!

From Project Gutenberg

Edna could hear the whispering voices of dead men and the click of muffled gold.

From Project Gutenberg

I lay against a corner of the stockade seat, listening to the wind whispering and to the ceaseless drip-drip of the trees.

From Project Gutenberg