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

The gallery also sold a Jeffrey Gibson painting, Your spirit whispering in my ear (2025), for $400,000 and an untitled Mark Bradford mixed media work for $300,000, both to Asian collectors. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Flirtations, crushes, romantic longings and the sweet whisperings of love will fill your day. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025

Adjective

The universe is whispering to you, so listen closely. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025

Follow your intuition as the universe is whispering to you. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

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