rumor

US: /ˈrumɚ/ ,(ro̅o̅′mər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ru•mor /ˈrumɚ/   n. 

1. a story that has no solid basis and is not known to be true:
   [countable] lots of rumors of war.
2. gossip;
   hearsay:
   [uncountable] a lot of rumor and gossip.

v. [~ + object* usually: it + be + ~-ed + (that) clause]

3. to report, circulate, or claim by a rumor:
   It's been rumored that their country will invade its neighbor to the north.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] ˈru•mour. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ru•mor  (ro̅o̅′mər), n. 

1. a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts:
   a rumor of war.
2. gossip;
   hearsay:
   Don't listen to rumor.
3. [Archaic.] a continuous, confused noise;
   clamor;
   din.

v.t. 

4. to circulate, report, or assert by a rumor:
   It is rumored that the king is dead.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] ru′mour. 

• Latin rūmor; akin to Sanskrit rāuti, rāvati (he) cries
• Middle French
• Middle English rumour 1325–75

Synonyms

• 1. report.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rumour, rumor / ˈruːmə/ noun

1. information, often a mixture of truth and untruth, passed around verbally
2. (in combination): a rumour-monger
3. gossip or hearsay

verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to pass around or circulate in the form of a rumour: it is rumoured that the Queen is coming

Etymology: 14th Century: via Old French from Latin rūmor common talk; related to Old Norse rymja to roar, Sanskrit rāut he cries