Words / B1

ROOM-uh/ˈruːmə/

A rumour is an unofficial story that may be false: a rumour that + clause; spread a rumour; rumours of a closure. UK spelling rumour; US rumor. Gossip is often personal and unkind; news should be checked. Rumour mill means lots of unofficial talk. Do not present a rumour as a fact in an essay — say According to rumour / unconfirmed reports.

Meaning

A story that people talk about which may not be true.

Examples

• “A rumour spread that the shop would close, but the owner denied it.”
• “Rumours of shop closures spread before any official statement.”
• “Ignore rumours in the group chat until HR emails you.”

Good to know

UK spelling: rumour (US rumor). spread / deny a rumour. Personal talk: gossip. Essay: unconfirmed, not a fact.

Near in meaning

gossip

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