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

Here’s where I imagine Norway leaning over and whispering to Oman, “At least our escalators work.”

From Los Angeles Times

Over the last few years, selling feet pics has gone from niche kink to buzzy income stream, boosted by platforms like FeetFinder and an algorithm that rewards young women for whispering the words “passive income.”

From Salon

Over 200 people filled the MacArthur Park space, lining the large pool and hot tubs while whispering over each other’s shoulders, experiencing brief moments of bliss while posing for photos under Spa Palace’s waterfall.

From Los Angeles Times

Bobby’s apron was up, resting over her back as he pumped away furiously, the young woman’s eyes rolled up into her head, mouth whispering, “Yess, yess … good … good …”

From Salon

A secret hack to make your Tuesday night chicken taste like a five-star chef cooked it while whispering your name.

From Salon