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. 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. whisperer n. whispering n.
[ OE hwisprian f. Gmc ]