susurrus

noun

su·​sur·​rus su̇-ˈsər-əs How to pronounce susurrus (audio)
-ˈsə-rəs
Synonyms of susurrus
: a whispering or rustling sound
susurrant
su̇-ˈsər-ənt How to pronounce susurrus (audio)
-ˈsə-rənt
adjective

Examples of susurrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dread creeps in; the ear instinctively fastens on anything, whether fire-hiss or bird call or susurrus of leaves, that will save it from this unknown emptiness. — The Economist, 17 May 2018 Literature, in his view, was a susurrus of stifled screams, a missive from the netherworld of the collective imaginary. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 The shallow lagoon lends itself to taking in the surroundings — a kitesurfer skimming the crystalline surface to my left, a couple finding their balance on paddleboards to my right, and the susurrus of the sea all around. — Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2021 This aura suffuses every aspect of the production, including Lauren Helpern’s stylized woodland set; Isabella Byrd and Matt Frey’s crepuscular lighting and Leah Gelpe’s sound, which abounds in the susurrus of crickets. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Latin, hum, whisper — more at swarm

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of susurrus was in 1826

Rhymes for susurrus

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Browse Nearby Words

susurrous
susurrus
Susy-Q
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Cite this Entry

“Susurrus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/susurrus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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