whispering

1 of 3

noun

whis·​per·​ing ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce whispering (audio)
Synonyms of whisperingnext
1
a
: whispered speech
b
: gossip, rumor
2
: a sibilant sound : whisper

whispering

2 of 3

adjective

1
: making a sibilant sound
2
: spreading confidential and especially derogatory reports
… whispering tongues can poison truth …—Samuel Taylor Coleridge
whisperingly
ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ-lē How to pronounce whispering (audio)
adverb

whispering

3 of 3

present participle of whisper entry 1

Examples of whispering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The convex-concave curves of the open and closed parentheses cup something said by the way, whisperings, secrets mouthed into the reader’s ear, mumbled under the author’s breath. — Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 The pair crossed the finish arm in arm, Pogačar whispering in his teammate’s ear to keep pedaling to the line. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Adjective
There’s a sweet blue and white wooden boat outside, a coin, a chair, footage of a Yeti-like creature in remote locations visited by the artist and a whispering sound track. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026 With additional notes of nutmeg oil, coriander, and musk the scent profile is rich and understated—it’ll make a whispering statement without smelling like everyone else in the room. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whispering

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of whispering was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing whispering

Browse Nearby Words

whisper glottis
whispering
whispering bells
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whispering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whispering. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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