whispering

[hwis-per-ing, wis-]

noun

1. whispered talk or conversation.

2. rumor, hearsay, or gossip.

3. a whispered sound.

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

• whisperingly adverb
• half-whisperingly adverb
• unwhispering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whispering¹

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

Example Sentences

When the moment came for Zammi to be taken from her arms, Keira says she sobbed uncontrollably, whispering "sorry" to her baby.

Read more on BBC

Bosses at the pub in Urmston, Greater Manchester, said they received an anonymous tip-off and caught the team "cheating red-handed" when players were spotted whispering into their smartwatches to get answers.

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Her senses of smell and hearing were incredible, and she was accompanied by several small fish who were constantly whispering in her ears.

Read more on Literature

At a rehearsal of the season’s opening concert before our interview, I noted a few workers whispering with each other about 30 yards from stage.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s the market whispering what headlines haven’t caught up to: The next phase of this credit cycle may have already begun.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal