■ verb speak very softly using one's breath rather than one's throat.
↘ literary rustle or murmur softly.
↘( be ~ed ) be rumoured.
■ noun
1》 a ~ed word or phrase, or a ~ing tone of voice.
↘ literary a soft rustling or murmuring sound.
↘a rumour or piece of gossip.
2》 a slight trace; a hint: a ~ of interest.
Derivatives
~er noun
~y adjective
Origin
OE hwisprian , of Gmc origin, from the imitative base of whistle .