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.

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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

It’s hard to imagine “giddy, whispering fans” showing up in court with messages of support for most notorious killers, yet that’s precisely what major outlets report is happening this month for Mangione.

From Salon

But one question kept resurfacing, from multiple corners of the inbox, as if readers were whispering it behind cupped hands: What if we just aren’t a pie family?

From Salon

Conservative MPs quickly started posting pages of the document on social media and Tory frontbenchers, including shadow chancellor Mel Stride, were seen whispering and making notes.

From BBC

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

From 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.

From BBC