rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymurmurQuiet sound
noun / verb

murmur

MUR-mer/mˈɝmɝ/

A soft low continuous or indistinct sound.

The murmur of conversation fills the room during dinner.

A subdued background murmur: a small group converses quietly beside an undisturbed dozing passenger in an otherwise quiet waiting lounge.
Etymology
murmurLatinhum, muttering, rushing

Latin murmur covered humming, muttering, and rushing sounds and probably had a sound-imitating origin. English broadened its early meaning of grumbling complaint to low, continuous sounds more generally.

In context

Storytime Haven342:34
murmur of a low conversation, cut short by the shutting of the door.
🌑 The Moon Rock 🌒 | A Haunting Tale of Mystery and Ambition by Arthur J. Rees

More examples

  • A small stream murmurs beneath the bridge.
  • She murmurs a few comforting words to the child.
  • The doctor hears a heart murmur through her stethoscope.

Forms

murmur · murmurs · murmured · murmuring

Similar words

hum
A steady sound with a more even, musical tone.
whisper
Usually breathy speech, rather than any low, indistinct sound.
mutter
Quiet, unclear speech, often suggesting irritation or private thoughts.