whispering

American  

[hwis-per-ing, wis-] / ˈʰwɪs pər ɪŋ, ˈwɪs- /

noun

1. whispered talk or conversation.

2. rumor, hearsay, or gossip.

3. a whispered sound.

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adjective

1. that whispers; making a sound like a whisper.

2. like a whisper.

3. given to whispering; gossipy.

4. conversing in whispers.

Other Word Forms

• half-whisperingly adverb
• unwhispering adjective
• whisperingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of whispering

before 1000; Middle English (noun), Old English hwisprunge. See whisper, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“People have come in the shop whispering ‘did you hear Taylor Swift filmed here?’” said Kate Sims, who works in a health store in the mall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

I could practically hear my female ancestors whispering, Just go chop the onions.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

During an investigation by the school, the teacher twice denied in interviews that she had helped students, but later admitted whispering prompts.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

She was whispering into the phone so no one nearby would hear her.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

Crystal balls floated about, whispering, “The eye is wise!”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton