hearsay

noun

hear·​say ˈhir-ˌsā 

1

: rumor

like the hearsays bandied about by the medievalists

—S. N. Behrman

2

law : hearsay evidence

Synonyms

• buzz
• dish
• gossip
• noise
• report
• rumor
• scuttlebutt
• talk
• tattle
• word

Examples of hearsay in a Sentence

You can't judge them solely on the basis of hearsay.

They're supposedly getting married soon, but that's just hearsay.

Recent Examples on the Web

What Experts Say About Mucinex and Fertility It's all based on hearsay and there are no recent studies showing Mucinex can boost fertility, experts say. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Sep. 2024

The evidence for the efficacy of most nootropic ingredients lies in a gray area somewhere between hearsay and the robust clinical trials used to approve pharmaceuticals. —Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024

The speculation, the hearsay, guys Lissie and Barry and Shakur are so happy, so happy. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 15 Aug. 2024

Clips then flash of other Housewives, gossiping while also defending themselves against hearsay. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hearsay

• hearsay evidence

Kids Definition

hearsay

noun

hear·​say ˈhi(ə)r-ˌsā 

1

: something heard from another : rumor

2

: hearsay evidence

Legal Definition

hearsay

noun

hear·​say ˈhir-ˌsā 

: a statement made out of court and not under oath which is offered as proof that what is stated is true

called also hearsay evidence