Inklingo
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rumor

/roo-MOR/

rumor

Two stylized figures sharing a secret, where a bright purple cloud shape emanates from the speaker's mouth into the listener's ear, visually symbolizing the spreading of an unverified story or gossip.

When a story is unverified, it is considered a 'rumor'.

rumor(noun)

mA2

rumor

?

unverified story

,

gossip

?

hearsay

Also:

speculation

?

general talk

📝 In Action

Hay un rumor de que van a cerrar la tienda.

A2

There's a rumor that they are going to close the store.

El director desmintió el rumor inmediatamente.

B1

The director denied the rumor immediately.

No debes creer todos los rumores que circulan.

A2

You shouldn't believe all the rumors that are going around.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • chisme (gossip)
  • habladuría (gossip/talk)

Common Collocations

  • correr un rumor – to spread a rumor
  • desmentir un rumor – to deny a rumor

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'rumor' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el rumor' (the rumor).

❌ Common Pitfalls

False Cognate Warning

Mistake: "Using 'ruido' (noise) when you mean 'rumor' (gossip)."

Correction: While related, 'ruido' means a loud, physical noise. Use 'rumor' when referring to unverified talk or news.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using the Plural

Use the plural 'rumores' when you are talking about multiple, distinct pieces of gossip.

A group of abstract, colorful figures clustered together in a simple setting, with soft, continuous blue sound ripples gently flowing outwards from the center of the group, representing a collective low sound.

A low, continuous sound made by a crowd is known as a 'murmur' (rumor).

rumor(noun)

mB2

murmur

?

low, continuous sound

,

buzz

?

of a crowd

Also:

distant noise

?

indistinct sound

📝 In Action

El rumor del río era lo único que se oía en la noche.

B2

The murmur of the river was the only thing heard at night.

Se levantó un rumor de voces cuando el presidente entró.

C1

A buzz of voices rose when the president entered.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • murmullo (murmur)
  • sonido (sound)

⭐ Usage Tips

Descriptive Use

This meaning is often used when describing nature or large groups of people, emphasizing that the sound is indistinct or constant.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rumor

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'rumor' to mean a continuous sound, not gossip?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

rumorear(to spread rumors/to murmur) - verb
rumoroso(noisy/rumbling) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'rumor' masculine or feminine?

'Rumor' is always a masculine noun. You must use the masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'el rumor', 'un rumor falso').

How do I say 'to spread a rumor' in Spanish?

The most common and natural way is 'correr un rumor' (literally, 'to run a rumor') or 'difundir un rumor' (to disseminate a rumor).