B2 an unofficial interesting story or piece of news that might be true or invented, and quickly spreads from person to person:
[ + that ] She's circulating/spreading rumours that the manager is going to resign.
rumour has it
More examples
- I heard a rumour that she's leaving, but apparently there's nothing in it.
- A rumour has surfaced that the company is about to go out of business.
- The president has consistently denied the rumours.
- He denied all responsibility for the rumours that have been circulating.
- The company moved quickly to quash rumours that it is losing money.