rumour

Where does the word "rumour" come from? It comes from Latin rumor, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Rumour’s story begins in Latin: rumor meant “noise, talk.” Related to Sanskrit 'rauti', he roars. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rumur. Widespread talk. It reached English by 1300s as rumour. American spelling drops the u. Today, rumour means an unverified story.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient rumor "noise, talk", related to Sanskrit 'rauti', he roars.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval rumur "noise, talk", widespread talk.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s rumour "talk", American spelling drops the u.