Etymology Map
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Rumour

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an unverified story

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

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

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.