English · Word Candidate

rumor

/ˈɹuːmə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: rumors · rumoring · rumored

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A statement or claim of questionable accuracy, from no known reliable source, usually spread by word of mouth.

NounRegister: US

There's a rumor going round that he's going to get married.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Information or misinformation of the kind contained in such claims.

NounRegister: US

They say he used to be a thief, but that's just rumor.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To tell a rumor about; to gossip.

VerbRegister: US

John is rumored to be next in line for a promotion.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “rumor” mean?

A statement or claim of questionable accuracy, from no known reliable source, usually spread by word of mouth.

Is “rumor” formal or informal?

rumor is generally US.