# rumor

Pronunciation: US say "ROO-mur" /ˈɹumɚ/; UK say "ROO-muh" /ˈɹuːmə(ɹ)/

## Noun

1. A claim of doubtful accuracy from no reliable source, or such talk in general, usually spread by word of mouth.
   - Simple: An unproven story, or talk of that kind, that people pass around without a trusted source.
   - _A rumor circulated online that the festival had been canceled._
   - _Investors panicked when rumors of bankruptcy began to spread._

## Verb

2. To spread gossip or unverified claims about someone or something.
   - Simple: To spread unproven stories about a person or thing.
   - _Critics rumor a rift among the band members._
   - _The press rumored his resignation weeks before it happened._

## Noun

3. Word, report, or news of events, considered as information passing about in general. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: Talk or news about what is happening in the world.
   - _Rumor of victory spread from town to town after the battle._
   - _By rumor alone the merchants learned of the distant war._
4. The fame or reputation a person enjoys; the public regard attaching to one's name. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: The good name or fame that someone is known for.
5. A confused loud noise; the clamor, din, or outcry raised by a crowd of people. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Loud noise and shouting made by a crowd.
   - _A great rumor of voices arose as the gates were thrown open._
   - _Over the rumor of the marketplace, no single voice could be heard._

## Origin

This word comes from Middle English rumour, borrowed from Old French rumeur, from Latin rūmor ("common talk"), which ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃rewH- ("to shout, to roar").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/rumor (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).