First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1rumor
noun ru·mor \ˈrü-mər\
: information or a story that is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true
Full Definition of RUMOR
1
: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source
2
: a statement or report current without known authority for its truth
3
archaic : talk or report of a notable person or event
4
: a soft low indistinct sound : murmur
See rumor defined for English-language learners
See rumor defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of RUMOR
Middle English rumour, from Anglo-French, from Latin rumor clamor, gossip; akin to Old English rēon to lament, Sanskrit rauti he roars
2rumor
verb
ru·moredru·mor·ing
Definition of RUMOR
transitive verb
: to tell or spread by rumor
First Known Use of RUMOR
1594
Related to RUMOR
- Synonyms
- bruit (about), circulate, noise (about or out), whisper
RUMOR Defined for Kids
1rumor
noun ru·mor \ˈrü-mər\
Definition of RUMOR for Kids
: information or a story that is passed from one person to another but has not been proven to be true and has no known source
2rumor
verb
ru·moredru·mor·ing
Definition of RUMOR for Kids
: to spread information or a story that has not been proven to be true
Learn More About RUMOR
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up rumor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).