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.

---

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

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

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Four instances were identified by the AQA where Matchim could be heard whispering French words to pupils, which they could use to answer the questions she had asked, the panel was told.

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

Investors are betting that objective symbiosis and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s skilled Trump whispering will renew the pact with minimal changes.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The next day, starting in homeroom, Ainsley and her friends are whispering, pointing, and shooting me nasty looks whenever and wherever they can.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein