Etymology From Middle English rumour, from Old French rumeur, from Latin rūmor (“common talk”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rewH- (“to shout, to roar”).
1
US 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
3 more examples
a rumor going round
vicious rumors
spread a rumor
2
US Information or misinformation of the kind contained in such claims.
They say he used to be a thief, but that's just rumor.
It stands a city aloof. There hath been no rumour of it—I alone have dreamed of it, and I may not be sure that my dreams are true.1906, Lord Dunsany [i.e., Edward Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany], Time and the Gods, London: William Heineman, →OCLC, page 3:
Etymology From Middle English rumour, from Old French rumeur, from Latin rūmor (“common talk”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rewH- (“to shout, to roar”).
1
US, Usually, Used in the passive voice To tell a rumor about; to gossip.
John is rumored to be next in line for a promotion.