whisper

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 to speak very quietly to sb so that other people cannot hear what you are saying: [V] Don't you know it's rude to whisper? * What are you two whispering about? * [Vspeech] 'Can you meet me tonight?' he whispered. * [VN] She leaned over and whispered something in his ear. * [Vthat] He whispered to me that he was afraid. 2 [oftenpassive] to say or suggest sth about sb/sth in a private or secret way: [VNthat] It was whispered that he would soon die and he did. [also Vthat] 3 [V] (written) (of leaves, the wind, etc.) to make a soft, quiet sound: A warm breeze whispered through the trees. noun 1 a low quiet voice or the sound it makes: They spoke in whispers. * Her voice dropped to a whisper. seealsoSTAGEWHISPER 2 (also whispering) (written) a soft sound: I could hear the whispering of the sea. 3 a piece of news that is spread by being talked about but may not be true SYNRUMOUR: I've heard whispers that he's leaving.