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rumour

noun

  1. statement of unconfirmed veracity
L25358 on Wikidata ↗

verb

  1. to spread or report by way of rumour
L25359 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɹuːmə(ɹ)/ / /ˈɹuːmɚ/

noun

Etymology: From Middle English rumour, from Old French rumour, rumor, from Latin rūmor (“common talk”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *rewH- (“to shout, roar”).

  1. UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland spelling of rumor.

    Rumour had it (though not proved) that she descended from the house of the lords Talbot de Malahide

    There were rumours, new rumours every morning, delightful and outrageous rumours, so that the lumps in the porridge were swallowed without comment and the fish-cakes were eaten without contumely.

  2. A prolonged, indistinct noise.

    Prithee, listen well; / I heard a bustling rumour like a fray, / And the wind brings it from the Capitol.

verb

Etymology: From Middle English rumour, from Old French rumour, rumor, from Latin rūmor (“common talk”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *rewH- (“to shout, roar”).

  1. Commonwealth standard spelling of rumor.

    Two of the four main routes over the Border were rumoured to be threatened with withdrawal of, or heavy cuts in, passenger services.