whispering

1 of 2

noun

whis·​per·​ing ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce whispering (audio)
1
a
: whispered speech
b
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 truthS. T. Coleridge
whisperingly adverb

Examples of whispering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
From this scene on, all the idle whispering and chatter disappeared as the movie held the audience by the throat. Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024 At one point, the DWTS pro could be seen whispering in Nader’s ear and leaning down to kiss the model as she got inked. Bailey Richards, People.com, 8 Oct. 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 See all Example Sentences for whispering 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of whispering was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near whispering

Cite this Entry

“Whispering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whispering. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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