What does susurrous mean?
Susurrous means whispering or murmuring softly, especially in a way that suggests secrecy, delicacy, or an almost continuous background sound. It can describe voices, conversations, breezes, rustlings, and other quiet movements, giving them a refined and atmospheric quality. The word is literary rather than everyday, so it is especially effective in descriptions of a hushed room, a faint breeze, or a confidential exchange. Susurrous does not necessarily mean that a sound is literally a whisper: it may refer more broadly to anything soft and murmuring, such as leaves moving or water flowing. Its unusual sound also makes it useful for vivid prose, where it evokes delicacy, quietness, and a hint of mystery. In ordinary conversation, whispering, murmuring, or hushed would usually be more direct choices.
adjectiveWhispering or murmuring softly; resembling a whisper.
- Whispering or murmuring softly.
"A susurrous breeze moved through the dry grass."
"Her susurrous voice was barely audible above the rain."
"The susurrous movement of the reeds continued through the evening."
Susurrous is the literary word for a whisper: it gives a soft, secretive sound an elegant, almost wind-like name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of susurrous
Susurrous comes from Latin susurrus, meaning “whispering” or “murmuring,” with the adjective formed using the suffix -osus. The word entered English through literary usage in the 17th century. Related English forms include susurration, meaning a whispering or murmuring, and susurrate, meaning to whisper or murmur.
Related word forms
How susurrous is actually used
This is a literary and relatively uncommon adjective. It is often used for soft sounds, voices, movements, or atmospheres, and has an elegant, slightly mysterious tone.
Easily confused with susurrous
Susurrous describes a soft whispering or murmuring quality, while suspicious means doubtful, wary, or believed to be dishonest.