whisper

[hwis-per, wis-per]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak with soft, hushed sounds, using the breath, lips, etc., but with no vibration of the vocal cords.

2. Phonetics.,  to produce utterance substituting breath for phonation.

3. to talk softly and privately (often implying gossip, slander, plotting, or the like).

   The king knew that the courtiers were whispering.

4. (of trees, water, breezes, etc.) to make a soft, rustling sound like that of whispering.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with soft, low sounds, using the breath, lips, etc..

   He whispered endearments to her.

2. Phonetics.,  to utter (speech sounds) substituting breath for phonation.

3. to say or tell in a whisper; tell privately.

4. to speak to or tell (a person) in a whisper or privately.

noun

1. the mode of utterance, or the voice, of a person who whispers.

   to speak in a whisper.

2. a word or remark uttered by whispering.

3. a rumor or insinuation.

   Whispers circulated about the affair.

4. a soft, rustling sound like a whisper.

   the whisper of leaves in the wind.

whisper

/ ˈwɪspə /

verb

1. to speak or utter (something) in a soft hushed tone, esp without vibration of the vocal cords

2. (intr) to speak secretly or furtively, as in promoting intrigue, gossip, etc

3. (intr) (of leaves, trees, etc) to make a low soft rustling sound

4. (tr) to utter or suggest secretly or privately

   to whisper treason

noun

1. a low soft voice

   to speak in a whisper

2. something uttered in such a voice

3. a low soft rustling sound

4. a trace or suspicion

5. informal,  a rumour or secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisper¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English whisperen (verb), Old English hwisprian; akin to German wispern, Old Norse hviskra, hvīsla “to whistle”; whine

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisper¹

Old English hwisprian; related to Old Norse hvīskra, Old High German hwispalōn, Dutch wispern

Idioms and Phrases

see stage whisper.

Example Sentences

In our cacophonous era, a library provides the solace of one author’s voice whispering into one reader’s ear.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It began with a hastily written note and a whisper.

Read more on Barron's

Paul and Anthony Fino were shopping at a Las Vegas mall when they started to hear the whispers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If the former whispers architectural wisdom in your ear, the latter shouts, “Watch this.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By day two, I was lurking at the window, watching for fresh debris, whispering, “Make my day.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• buzz 
• confide 
• hiss 
• mumble 
• murmur 
• mutter 
• sigh