A rumor is an unverified story or piece of information that spreads from person to person, often changing as it travels. When someone hears gossip about another student and passes it along without knowing if it's true, they're spreading a rumor. The word comes from Latin rumor, meaning noise or common talk.

Rumors thrive on uncertainty and curiosity. Maybe someone saw the principal talking seriously with a teacher, and by lunchtime, kids are saying the teacher is leaving, the school is closing, or something else entirely. Each person adds their own guess or twist, and soon the rumor bears little resemblance to reality.

What makes rumors particularly tricky is that they might be true, partially true, or completely false. A rumor that the cafeteria will serve pizza tomorrow could turn out to be accurate, but a rumor about why a classmate was absent could be wildly wrong and hurtful. Some rumors are harmless speculation, but others can damage reputations and hurt feelings.

The phrase rumor has it means “people are saying” without confirming the truth: “Rumor has it we're getting a substitute teacher next week.” Recognizing rumors as unconfirmed stories can help people decide whether to believe them or pass them along.