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rumour

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈrumɚ/ · UK /ˈruːmə/

Forms: rumours, rumoured

rumour means: A story or claim passed between people without proof that it is true.

noun

UNCONFIRMED STORYB1

A story or claim passed between people without proof that it is true.

  • I heard a rumour about the new manager.
  • Rumours spread quickly through the town.
  • Is there any truth in that rumour?

How to use it: a rumour about someone/something (There is a rumour about the school closing.); a rumour that… (We heard a rumour that she was leaving.)

Similar words: story, gossip

Common phrases: spread a rumour, hear a rumour, a false rumour

verb

SPREAD UNCONFIRMED CLAIMB2

To say or spread a claim without knowing whether it is true.

  • It is rumoured that the shop will close.
  • She was rumoured to be moving abroad.
  • People have rumoured a merger for months.

How to use it: it is rumoured that… (It is rumoured that the mayor will resign.); be rumoured to do something (The company is rumoured to be opening another office.)

Similar words: report, gossip

Common phrases: rumour a merger, rumour something abroad

Questions about rumour

What does rumour mean?

A story or claim passed between people without proof that it is true.

What is rumour in other languages?

Türkçe: söylenti · Español: rumor · Français: rumeur · Deutsch: Gerücht · Italiano: voce · 日本語: うわさ

How do you pronounce rumour?

In American English /ˈrumɚ/; in British English /ˈruːmə/.

How do you use rumour in a sentence?

I heard a rumour about the new manager. Rumours spread quickly through the town.

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rumour in other languages

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