- a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but that may not be true
- to start/spread a rumour
- rumour of something There are widespread rumours of job losses.
- rumour about something Some malicious rumours are circulating about his past.
- rumour that… I heard a rumour that they are getting married.
- Many of the stories are based on rumour.
- Rumour has it (= people say) that he was murdered.
- I thought she was leaving the company, but perhaps it may be just a rumour.
Extra Examples- His lengthy absence will fuel rumours that he has been fired.
- Rumours about an impending divorce were rife.
- The Chief Executive issued a statement to quash rumours of financial problems.
- The actor confirmed rumours that he will be leaving the series.
- The manager resigned suddenly amidst rumours of misconduct.
- The rumour quickly swept the town.
- There is no truth in the rumour that she is about to resign.
- There were persistent rumours of drug taking among staff.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- malicious
- nasty
- scurrilous
- …
- start
- fuel
- spread
- …
- circulate
- get around
- go around
- …
- factory
- mill
- amid rumours
- rumour about
- rumour concerning
- …
- rumour has it that…
- there is no truth in the rumour
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French rumur, from Latin rumor ‘noise’.
Check pronunciation:
rumour