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

Avoid whispering and limit speaking as much as possible. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 1 Sep. 2024

Wind / this Earth / whispering / to our feet / this boundless / desire / of being / grass / tree / corazón Limón is looking forward to her own personal shift in perspective amid the world’s tallest trees. —Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 30 July 2024

Adjective

The duo was spotted intensely whispering to each other during a commercial break, and fans have been trying to fill in the blanks while speculating about their conversation. —Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024

The couple has been caught whispering to each other and laughing together in the suite. —Lacey Latch, The Arizona Republic, 27 Apr. 2024

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