v. & n.
--v.
1. a intr. speak very softly without vibration of the vocal cords. b intr. & tr. talk or say in a barely audible tone or in a secret or confidential way.
2 intr. speak privately or conspiratorially.
3 intr. (of leaves, wind, or water) rustle or murmur.
--n.
1. whispering speech (talking in whispers).
2 a whispering sound.
3 a thing whispered.
4 a rumour or piece of gossip.
Phrases and idioms:
it is whispered there is a rumour. whispering-gallery a gallery esp. under a dome with acoustic properties such that a whisper may be heard round its entire circumference.
Derivatives:
whisperer n. whispering n.
Etymology: OE hwisprian f. Gmc