What does rumour mean?
A rumour is an unconfirmed story, report, or piece of information that is being passed among people. The term is especially common in journalism and everyday conversation, where it identifies something that may be true but has not yet been established by reliable evidence. Rumours can concern private individuals, public institutions, businesses, or forthcoming events, and their tone ranges from neutral description to gossipy or suspicious insinuation. A report becomes a rumour especially when it is unofficial and people are repeating it without knowing whether it is accurate. Phrases such as “hear a rumour” and “rumour has it” emphasize the uncertain and indirect way the information travels. The British spelling is rumour, while American English generally uses rumor.
A story or report that is circulating but has not been confirmed to be true.
"The rumour was quickly dismissed as an unsubstantiated claim."
Often implies that the information is unofficial, uncertain, or based on incomplete evidence.
To report or circulate an unconfirmed story, especially as gossip.
"Several witnesses rumoured that the business would close."
Less common than the noun; the spelling is usually rumour in British English and rumor in American English.
The standard British plural is rumours; the American form is rumors.
"The rumours quickly turned into a widespread panic."
A rumour travels faster than confirmation: the story spreads before anyone checks whether it is true.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rumour come from?
The word entered Middle English through Anglo-French, from French rumeur, which in turn derives from Latin rumor, meaning “report,” “rumour,” or “public opinion.” English developed two standard spelling forms: rumour in British English and rumor in American English. The word has long been associated with reports that circulate before they can be verified.
How rumour is actually used
In British English, rumour is the standard spelling; American English normally uses rumor. The word often suggests information that is uncertain, unofficial, or potentially unreliable, although it can also be used neutrally for a circulating report.
Easily confused with rumour
In British English, the standard spelling is rumour, while rumor is the usual spelling in American English; the meaning is otherwise the same.