whisper

Pluralwhispers

Formswhispers, whispering, whispered

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A way of speaking very quietly, using breath instead of your full voice.

   Like talking with only air, the way you do when you don't want to wake someone.

   She answered in a whisper so the baby would not wake.

   Their whispers filled the dark room during the sleepover.

   Similarmurmur, undertone

   Oppositeshout, yell

   Note
2. 2
   verbintransitive

   To speak very quietly, using breath so that only someone close can hear.

   Like talking with just air instead of your full, loud voice.

   Please whisper, because your sister is sleeping.

   The two friends whispered in the back of the classroom.

   Similarbreathe

   Oppositeshout, yell

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To say something very quietly, using breath so that only someone close hears it.

   She whispered a secret to her best friend.

   Whisper the answer so that no one else hears it.

   Similarbreathe

   Oppositeshout, yell

   Note
4. 4
   nounfigurativelycountable

   A tiny sign or very small amount of something.

   Like a pinch of salt so small you can barely taste it.

   There was a whisper of doubt in his voice.

   Only faint whispers of color remained on the fading photograph.

   Similarhint, trace, touch, suggestion

5. 5
   nouncountable

   A piece of news that spreads quietly and may not be true.

   Like news that passes from person to person before anyone knows if it is true.

   There is a whisper that the factory might close.

   Whispers about the new manager spread through the office.

   Similarrumor, hint, murmur

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   A soft, light sound, like wind moving through leaves.

   Like the quiet sound paper makes when you turn a page.

   We heard a whisper of wind in the tall grass.

   Soft whispers of falling leaves filled the empty park.

   Similarrustle, murmur, swish, sigh

7. 7
   verbtransitive

   To tell something to someone in a private, secret way.

   Like sharing a secret only with someone you really trust.

   They whisper their concerns only to people they trust.

   He whispered a warning about the coming layoffs.

   Similarconfide, murmur

   Oppositeannounce, proclaim

8. 8
   verbintransitive

   To make a soft, hissing sound, like air slipping through a small gap.

   Like the soft hiss of air leaking from a balloon.

   The kettle began to whisper before it boiled.

   Leaves whispered softly in the evening breeze.

   Similarrustle, murmur, sigh, hiss

   Note
9. 9
   verbintransitive

   To talk quietly and secretly, often when planning something.

   Like kids quietly planning a surprise behind a closed door.

   The two clerks whispered together all through the meeting.

   Children often whisper when they are planning some mischief.

   Similarmurmur, mutter, gossip

   Note
10. 10
    verbtransitive

    To gently calm and train an animal using a quiet, patient manner.

    Like calming a scared pet by speaking softly and moving slowly.

    She can whisper even the most frightened horses into calm.

    He whispered the wild colt until it accepted the saddle.

    Similartame, coax, soothe, calm

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