rumor — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A statement or claim of questionable accuracy, from no known reliable source, usually spread by word of mouth.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Countable

   Synonyms

   word

   Examples

   There's a rumor going round that he's going to get married.

   vile rumor

   More examples (3)

   a rumor going round

   vicious rumors

   spread a rumor

2. Information or misinformation of the kind contained in such claims.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   They say he used to be a thief, but that's just rumor.

3. Report, news, information in general.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Archaic
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   It stands a city aloof. There hath been no rumour of it—I alone have dreamed of it, and I may not be sure that my dreams are true.

4. Fame, reputation.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Obsolete
   • Uncountable

5. Clamor, din, outcry.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Obsolete
   • Uncountable

Verb

1. To tell a rumor about; to gossip.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Transitive
   • usually
   • used in the passive voice

   Examples

   John is rumored to be next in line for a promotion.

Noun

1. gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

   Synonyms

   rumourhearsay

   Broader terms

   gossipcommentscuttlebutt

Verb

1. tell or spread rumors

   Synonyms

   rumourbruit

   Broader terms

   dish the dirtgossip

   Examples

   It was rumored that the next president would be a woman