whispering

Noun · Adjective
Synonyms: rustlerustlingwhispersusurrationvoicelessnessmurmuringsusurrant

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the windSynonyms: rustlerustlingwhisper
  2. speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cordsSynonyms: whispersusurrationvoicelessness

Adjective (1)

  1. making a low continuous indistinct sound“like murmuring waves”“susurrant voices”Synonyms: murmuringsusurrant
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Whispering \Whis"per*ing\, a. & n. from Whisper. v. t. [1913 Webster]

Whispering gallery, or Whispering dome, one of such a form that sounds produced in certain parts of it are concentrated by reflection from the walls to another part, so that whispers or feeble sounds are audible at a much greater distance than under ordinary circumstances. The dome of the U. S. capitol building is one example. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Whisper \Whis"per\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Whispered; p. pr. & vb. n. Whispering.] [AS. hwisprian; akin to G. wispern, wispeln, OHG. hwispal?n, Icel. hv[imac]skra, Sw. hviska, Dan. hviske; of imitative origin. Cf. Whistle.] [1913 Webster]

1.To speak softly, or under the breath, so as to be heard only by one near at hand; to utter words without sonant breath; to talk without that vibration in the larynx which gives sonorous, or vocal, sound. See Whisper, n. [1913 Webster]

2.To make a low, sibilant sound or noise. [1913 Webster]

The hollow, whispering breeze.— Thomson.[1913 Webster]

3.To speak with suspicion, or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting. [1913 Webster]

All that hate me whisper together against me.— Ps. xli. 7.[1913 Webster]
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