Word of the Day: Susurrus — Meaning, origin and how to use it

The English language is constantly evolving. Every year, new words are added to dictionaries, while older and lesser-known words continue to resurface through literature, poetry and popular culture. No matter how extensive your vocabulary is, there's always another fascinating word waiting to be discovered.

Today's Word of the Day is one of those hidden gems. It's not a word you'll hear in everyday conversation, but once you know its meaning, you'll start noticing it in books and descriptive writing.

Today's Word of the Day: Susurrus

Susurrus is one of those rare English words whose sound reflects its meaning. It refers to a 'soft whispering, rustling or murmuring sound', particularly the gentle noise made by leaves swaying in the wind, flowing water, or quiet conversations.


The word comes from the Latin 'susurrus', meaning "a whisper" or "a hum." It has been part of the English language since the 19th century and is especially popular among poets and novelists because of its vivid, almost musical quality.

Meaning of Susurrus

As per Cambridge Dictionary, Susurrus is "a soft, low noise like someone whispering (= speaking using their breath but not their voice)"

Susurrus is a noun which is pronounced as soo-SUR-us or suh-SUR-us.

Example sentences

The susurrus of the leaves filled the forest as the evening breeze picked up.
We drifted off to sleep listening to the gentle susurrus of the waves.
In the silent library, the only sound was the susurrus of pages being turned.

Synonyms

* Whisper
* Murmur
* Rustle
* Hush
* Soft hum

Why is Susurrus unique?

Unlike common words such as whisper or rustle, susurrus has a distinctly poetic feel. Writers often use it to create vivid imagery and evoke a sense of calm, mystery or serenity. It is particularly associated with descriptions of nature, where the sound itself becomes part of the scene.

Interestingly, susurrus is also considered an example of onomatopoeia—a word whose pronunciation imitates the sound it represents. Its soft, flowing syllables echo the gentle whisper it describes.

Did you know?

Although susurrus is rarely used in everyday speech, it has long been a favourite among authors, poets and nature writers. It is commonly used to describe the rustling of leaves, the murmur of a stream, the sound of light rain, or the faint hum of distant voices. Its lyrical sound and evocative meaning have earned it a place among the most beautiful words in the English language.