rumour

/ ˈruːmə /

noun

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

   2. ( in combination )

      a rumour-monger

2. gossip or hearsay

3. archaic,  din or clamour

4. obsolete,  fame or reputation

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumour¹

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

Example Sentences

Watson, who recently hit headlines after a public spat with Potter author JK Rowling, sparked rumours she was engaged by wearing a sparkling ring on her wedding finger.

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Last week, the UN said that at least 22 people had been killed and more than 100 injured in the protests, but the government rejected the figures, describing them as based on "rumours and misinformation".

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Speaking on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, the star debunked rumours that it would be her last album.

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Speaking to BBC Radio London, he said those circulating rumours of his resignation within the Met were "the misogynists and racists, frankly, who want me out, because it's them who we're taking on".

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Ahead of the new season starting, rumours circulated that Newcastle were in talks with Townsend to become their director of rugby.

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