I. ˈhwis-pər, ˈwis- verb
( whis·pered ; whis·per·ing -p(ə-)riŋ)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hwisperian; akin to Old High German hwispalōn to whisper, Old Norse hvīsla — 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
II. noun
Date: 1595
1. : something communicated by or as if by whispering ; especially : rumor
whisper s of scandal
2.
a. : an act or instance of whispering ; especially : speech without vibration of the vocal cords
b. : a sibilant sound that resembles whispered speech
3. : hint , trace