WHISPER


Meaning of WHISPER in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' hwis-p ə r, ' wis-

Function: verb

Inflected Form: whis · pered ; whis · per · ing \ -p( ə -)ri ŋ \

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hwisperian; akin to Old High German hwispal ō n to whisper, Old Norse hv ī sla ― more at WHISTLE

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb

1 : to speak softly with little or no vibration of the vocal cords especially to avoid being overheard

2 : to make a sibilant sound that resembles whispering

transitive verb

1 : to address in a whisper

2 : to utter or communicate in or as if in a whisper

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.