whisper

American  

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

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

whisper Idioms  

1. see stage whisper.

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Etymology

Origin of whisper

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

Example Sentences

For some time, there have been whispers of divisions inside Hezbollah about the way forward, as President Joseph Aoun pushes ahead with a disarmament plan laid out in the ceasefire agreement.

From BBC

“That’s the girl who used to follow Rachel around,” a boy whispered.

From Literature

“What’s in it for me?” he whispered back, his arms wrapping around me in what was probably the most awkward and weird hug of my life as he kept up the bizarre charade.

From Literature

Several times, the top generals were seen kneeling beside her to whisper in her ear as she sat with her father watching military parades.

From BBC

What are the questions we might whisper to ourselves?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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