# whispering

/ˈhwɪspɝɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈɪspəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whispering
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the sound of quiet voices

noun · CEFR B1

the soft, quiet sound of people speaking without using their vocal cords.

For teachers: the auditory phenomenon of sibilant, low-volume speech produced without vocal fold vibration.

- The low whispering in the back of the library was starting to annoy the other students.
- A constant whispering filled the cathedral as tourists shared their observations in hushed tones, mindful of the ongoing service.

### 2. rumours or gossip

noun · CEFR B2

private talk or secrets that people are sharing with each other.

For teachers: the circulation of rumours, secrets, or private information, often implying a lack of official confirmation.

- There has been a lot of whispering in the office about who will be the next manager.
- Despite the official denials, the persistent whispering among the staff suggested that a major merger was imminent.

### 3. making a soft sound

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

describing something that makes a quiet, soft sound like a whisper.

For teachers: characterised by or producing a soft, sibilant sound reminiscent of a whisper.

- We sat by the river and listened to the whispering wind in the trees.
- The whispering reeds along the riverbank created a tranquil atmosphere that masked the distant noise of the city.

## Examples

- I heard some whispering in the back of the classroom.
- The constant whispering during the movie was very distracting for the rest of the audience.
- A faint whispering of leaves against the windowpane added to the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned house as the storm began to gather strength.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.