Rumour I Noun Bre ˈruːmə(R ˈruːmər Start/Spread Widespread

• to start/spread a rumour
• there are widespread rumours of job losses.
• some malicious rumours are circulating about his past.
• i heard a rumour that they are getting married.

rumour

1. a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but that may not be true
• to start/spread a rumour
• There are widespread rumours of job losses.
• Some malicious rumours are circulating about his past.
• I heard a rumour that they are getting married.
• Many of the stories are based on rumour.
• Rumour has it (= people say) that he was murdered.
• I thought she was leaving the company, but perhaps it may be just a rumour.

Extra Examples

• His lengthy absence from work fuelled rumours that he might have been sacked.
• His lengthy absence will fuel rumours that he has been fired.
• Rumour has it that he was sacked from his last job.
• Rumours about an impending divorce were rife.
• The Chief Executive issued a statement to quash rumours of financial problems.
• The Washington rumour mill suggests the money changed hands illegally.
• The actor confirmed rumours that he will be leaving the series.
• The manager resigned suddenly amidst rumours of misconduct.
• The rumour quickly swept the town.
• There is no truth in the rumour that she is about to resign.
• There were persistent rumours of drug taking among staff.
• rumours surrounding the closure of the hospital
• Rumour has it that he was murdered.

Word Origin

• late Middle English: from Old French rumur, from Latin rumor ‘noise’.