rumor

Etymology

From Middle English rumour, from Old French rumeur, from Latin rūmor (“common talk”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *rewH- (“to shout, to roar”).

noun

1. (American spelling, countable) A statement or claim of questionable accuracy, from no known reliable source, usually spread by word of mouth.
   There's a rumor going round that he's going to get married.
   vile rumor
   a rumor going round
   vicious rumors
   spread a rumor
2. (American spelling, uncountable) Information or misinformation of the kind contained in such claims.
   They say he used to be a thief, but that's just rumor.

verb

1. (transitive, usually used in the passive voice) To tell a rumor about; to gossip.
   John is rumored to be next in line for a promotion.