whispering

1 of 2

noun

whis·​per·​ing ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ 

1

a

: whispered speech

b

: gossip, rumor

2

: a sibilant sound : whisper

whispering

2 of 2

adjective

1

: making a sibilant sound

2

: spreading confidential and especially derogatory reports

whispering tongues can poison truth

—S. T. Coleridge

whisperingly

ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ-lē 

adverb

Examples of whispering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While Williams-Paisley went through her tumultuous medical journey, she could only be heard whispering. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024

On one hand, there was a bevy of huge, crazy Tribal Councils with last-second whispering and maneuvering leading to jaw-dropping exits. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The creaking and whispering noises that once haunted them vanished, and their house felt safe again. —Amplified Content Studio, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024

With that, there will be even less whispering and even greater potential that Hujar’s storied (self-)construction in photography, writing, and film will overshadow the subtlety of his work as it gets championed with more and more passion. —Jackson Davidow, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing whispering

• whispering campaign
• whispering sweet nothings