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

Inevitably, more publications will follow, though rumour has it that NOW is planning to hold strong.

From The Daily Beast

A Downing Street spokesman denied any “crisis talks” but not the rumour itself.

From The Daily Beast

Rumour of passed events may have led him to visit the ground on which had worked a new kind of steam-engine.

From Project Gutenberg

Musgrave was talked of in coffeehouses; but the rumour that he would be proposed soon died away.

From Project Gutenberg

They knew nothing of the Maid save from the rumour of the victories she was reported to have won at Orleans.

From Project Gutenberg

The rumour was whispered around him, and, in his own world, secured him an envied and despicable position.

From Project Gutenberg

With regard to the West, there is a strong rumour of action in our favour: but at all events we are safe, and possibly successful.

From Project Gutenberg