whisper

The word “whisper” means to speak very quietly, using breath rather than the full voice, so only someone nearby can hear. In plain terms, to speak very softly, or a soft, quiet sound or rumour.

“Whisper” is pronounced WIHS-puh (/ˈ(h)wɪspɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “whisper” used in a sentence: “She leaned over and whispered the secret in his ear.”

Depending on how it is used, “whisper” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “whisper” comes from Old English. From Old English hwisprian, "to murmur or mutter" — imitative in origin, echoing the soft hissing sound of quiet speech.

“Whisper” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Whisper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to speak very quietly, using breath rather than the full voice, so only someone nearby can hear.

To whisper is to speak very quietly using breath rather than the full voice, usually so only someone nearby can hear, while to mutter is to speak in a low, often unclear or grumbling voice, typically out of annoyance. Whispering is about volume and secrecy, whereas muttering is more about tone and clarity.

Yes, as a noun a whisper can refer to an unconfirmed rumor, as in 'there were whispers about the company merging.' This figurative sense builds on the idea of information passed quietly and informally rather than announced openly.

No, whisper can also describe other soft, quiet sounds, such as wind whispering through trees, though its core meaning centers on speaking very quietly with breath rather than full voice.