Rumor vs. Rumour
Cambridge labels “rumour” as UK and “rumor” as US for the same noun and related verb forms. This guide treats the choice as a documented spelling convention and does not invent a meaning difference between the variants.
Use “rumor” in standard US spelling and “rumour” in standard UK spelling; the core meaning is unchanged.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| standard American spelling | rumor | Use the spelling without “u” in US English. |
| standard British spelling | rumour | Use the spelling with “u” in UK English. |
| choose based on a supposed meaning difference | no core meaning contrast in this spelling pair | Keep the regional spelling consistent unless a proper name or house style requires otherwise. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you writing in a consistent regional variety?
If yes: Use “rumor” for US English and “rumour” for UK English.
If no: Follow your publication’s house style; the distinction here is spelling, not a change in the core meaning.
Caveat: This is a regional spelling distinction, not a difference in the core noun meaning.
Examples
A rumor spread through the office.
“Rumor” is the standard US spelling.
A rumour spread through the office.
“Rumour” is the standard UK spelling.
The newspaper denied the rumor.
The US spelling keeps the same core meaning as UK “rumour.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “rumor” in standard US spelling and “rumour” in standard UK spelling; the core meaning is unchanged.
Style Boundary
Choose the spelling that matches the audience, region, or house style, and keep that choice consistent where both forms are accepted.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Rumour — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK rumour and US rumor spelling distinction