rumor Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
rumour; hearsay.
verb tell or spread rumors
rumour; bruit.
- It was rumored that the next president would be a woman

F. rumeur, L. rumor; cf. rumificare, rumitare to rumor, Skr. ru to cry.

A flying or popular report; the common talk; hence, public fame; notoriety.
This rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about. Luke vii. 17.

Great is the rumor of this dreadful knight. Shak.
A current story passing from one person to another, without any known authority for its truth; -- in this sense often personified.
Rumor next, and Chance, And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled. Milton.
A prolonged; indistinct noise. Obs. Shak.

imperfect & past participle Rumored ; present participle & verbal noun Rumoring

To report by rumor; to tell.
'T was rumored My father 'scaped from out the citadel. Dryden.