Cool MateRumour
UK /["/ˈruːmə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈruːmər/"]/
Definition
a piece of information, or a story, that people talk about, but that may not be true
In simple words: A story that people talk about but is not proven to be true.
Examples
- There is a rumour that the company will be announcing layoffs next month.
- The rumour about the celebrity couple breaking up turned out to be false.
- A persistent rumour spread throughout the school that the principal was retiring.
- Rumour has it that the new movie will be a huge hit.
- He refused to believe the rumour until he saw official confirmation.
Usage notes
Use 'rumour' in social contexts where gossip or unverified information is discussed. Avoid in formal reports or academic writing.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Sounds like 'roomer' – imagine people whispering secrets in a room.
Collocations
- 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
Synonyms
- gossip
- tale
- scuttlebutt
- report
- buzz
Antonyms
- fact
- truth
Common mistakes
- Confused with ' rumor' in American English; 'rumour' is British English.
- Using 'rumour' as a verb (incorrect); it's only a noun.
- Mistaking 'rumour' for facts; a rumour is not confirmed information.