1
: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source
We make our blunders … as rumor has it that you make your own.—
Benjamin N. Cardozo
Benjamin N. Cardozo2
: a statement or report current without known authority for its truth
She accused them of spreading rumors about her.
"Have you heard they broke up?" "That's just a rumor."
3
archaic
: talk or report of a notable person or event
4
: a soft low indistinct sound : murmur
Examples of rumor in a Sentence
Noun
There are rumors that they are making a new film.
She accused him of starting rumors about her.
Ever since his sudden resignation, rumors have been flying.
I heard a rumor that they broke up.
“Did you hear that they broke up?” “That's just a rumor.”
The rumor turned out to be false.
You can't fire him solely based on rumor.
Rumor has it that they broke up.
Verb
for years people have been rumoring the CEO's imminent retirement
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The ham sandwich rumor reportedly began as her manager Allan Carr’s attempt to stave off speculation that her death was linked to drug use.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Taking the stage at Pier 29 ahead of their Super Bowl pregame performance Sunday, Armstrong had a message for the ICE agents rumored to be patrolling the football game at Levi’s Stadium.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
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Noun
On Friday, the Sheriff’s Department sought to quash rumors that there was a divide between local and federal investigators, centered on the handling of evidence and which lab it should be sent to.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The ham sandwich rumor reportedly began as her manager Allan Carr’s attempt to stave off speculation that her death was linked to drug use.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Now, Kardashian—a reality star and business mogul—and Hamilton, a pro F1 driver, have not confirmed any sort of relationship just yet, but the duo are rumored to have begun dating earlier this year, when they were spotted enjoying a romantic getaway at the Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Taking the stage at Pier 29 ahead of their Super Bowl pregame performance Sunday, Armstrong had a message for the ICE agents rumored to be patrolling the football game at Levi’s Stadium.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rumor
Cite this Entry
“Rumor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumor. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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