[syn: rumor, rumour, bruit]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Rumor \Ru"mor\, n. [F. rumeur, L. rumor; cf. rumificare,
rumitare to rumor, Skr. ru to cry.] [Written also rumour.]
1. A flying or popular report; the common talk; hence, public
fame; notoriety.
[1913 Webster]
This rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea,
and throughout all the region round about. --Luke
vii. 17.
[1913 Webster]
Great is the rumor of this dreadful knight. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. A current story passing from one person to another,
without any known authority for its truth; -- in this
sense often personified.
[1913 Webster]
Rumor next, and Chance,
And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
3. A prolonged, indistinct noise. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
rumour
n 1: gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed
around by word of mouth [syn: rumor, rumour, hearsay]
v 1: tell or spread rumors; "It was rumored that the next
president would be a woman" [syn: rumor, rumour,
bruit]