rumour

British  

/ 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

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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

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

The response was usually laughter and being told it was all just a rumour.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

They have been demined since, "but rumour has it it's still not safe," the 15-year-old said.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

What is certain, experts say, is that Hitler did not have Jewish ancestry - a rumour that had been circulating since the 1920s.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

“No. He asked if I could confirm the rumour that a body had been found in the cabin.”

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier