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rumour

British  
/ ˈruːmə /

noun

    1. information, often a mixture of truth and untruth, passed around verbally

    2. ( in combination )

      a rumour-monger

  1. gossip or hearsay

  2. archaic din or clamour

  3. obsolete fame or reputation

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr; usually passive) to pass around or circulate in the form of a rumour

    it is rumoured that the Queen is coming

  2. literary to make or cause to make a murmuring noise

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of rumour

C14: via Old French from Latin rūmor common talk; related to Old Norse rymja to roar, Sanskrit rāut he cries

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As workers poured out at the end of the day, the rumour travelled fast in a busy neighbourhood.

From BBC

"Farewell old friend x," Larry posted on his X account, brushing aside rumours of rivalry between the pair.

From Barron's

Turner was asked at the press conference about rumours he may be the next actor to take on the role of James Bond in the iconic spy franchise.

From Barron's

The romance rumours have been "effective in grabbing attention", says film fan Rebecca Greene.

From BBC

That correlates with public messaging despite industry rumours the Lewis family are open to selling.

From BBC