ru·mor (US) or Brit ru·mour 
/ˈru:mɚ/ noun
plural ru·mors /ˈru:mɚ/ noun : information or a story that is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true [count] ▪ There are rumors that they are making a new film. ▪ She accused him of starting/spreading rumors about her. ▪ Ever since his sudden resignation, rumors have been flying. ▪ I heard a rumor that they broke up. ▪ “Did you hear that they broke up?” “That's just/only a rumor.” ▪ The rumor turned out to be false/unfounded. [noncount] ▪ You can't fire him solely based on rumor. ▪ Rumor has it that they broke up.
the rumor mill
: a group of people who start and spread rumors
▪ That news should keep the rumor mill churning/running/going for a while!
▪ That news should keep the rumor mill churning/running/going for a while!
