rumour
/ˈruːmə
/(US rumor)
noun
A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth: they were investigating rumours of a massacre [mass noun]: rumour has it that he will take a year off...
- Over the years, many rumours have circulated regarding improvement to this junction.
- Mr Dent spoke out after rumours began circulating in the town centre that he had come back in with a fresh deal.
- He said there was no truth to the rumour that he had his vet administer a sedative to his horse before the race.
Synonyms
gossip, hearsay, talk, tittle-tattle
informal the grapevine, the word on the street
British informal goss
North American informal scuttlebutt, poop
Australian/New Zealand informal furphy
archaic fame
piece of gossip, report, story, whisper, canard;
speculation;
information, word, news;
French on dit
informal buzz
rare bruit
verb (be rumoured)
Be circulated as an unverified account: [with clause]: it’s rumoured that he lives on a houseboat [with infinitive]: she is rumoured to have gone into hiding...
- Last week, it was rumoured that the sexy blonde had reunited with Tommy.
- European cafe culture looks set to hit Fishguard, as two new cafes and one bar are rumoured to be opening in the town.
- Long since rumoured, it looks like this is actually getting serious.
Synonyms
said to be, reported to be;
reportedly, reputedly, allegedly, apparently, by all accounts, so the story goes
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French rumur, from Latin rumor 'noise'.