Is susurrus a common word?

No, it is quite rare. Writers use it for a poetic or literary effect.

Is susurrus the same as whisper?

Not exactly. A whisper is a type of speech, while susurrus is a soft sound in general.

Can I use susurrus in formal writing?

Yes, but it sounds literary. It is better for creative writing than business writing.

← Dictionary

susurrus

/suːˈsʌr.əs/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A soft, whispering, rustling sound. It is often used for quiet sounds from wind, leaves, water, or voices.

We heard the susurrus of leaves outside.
The room was filled with a gentle susurrus.
Her susurrus barely reached the front row.

Adinary Nuance

Susurrus is more poetic and literary than words like 'whisper' or 'murmur'. Use it when you want to describe a soft, continuous sound, not a single spoken whisper. It often suggests a gentle background noise rather than clear speech.

In other languages

Vietnamese: tiếng rì rào
Spanish: susurro
Chinese: 沙沙声
Japanese: ささやき声
Korean: 속삭임

Etymology

From Latin susurrus, meaning 'whisper' or 'murmur'. It entered English through literary use, and it still sounds poetic and rare.

Common phrases

a susurrus of leavesthe susurrus of the seain a susurrus tone

Synonyms

whisper murmur rustle

Related words

hush faint softness

Frequently asked questions

Is susurrus a common word?: No, it is quite rare. Writers use it for a poetic or literary effect.
Is susurrus the same as whisper?: Not exactly. A whisper is a type of speech, while susurrus is a soft sound in general.
Can I use susurrus in formal writing?: Yes, but it sounds literary. It is better for creative writing than business writing.