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View synonyms for

grumble

[ gruhm-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

grumbled, grumbling.
  1. to murmur or mutter in discontent; complain sullenly:

    Tim always found something to grumble about.

  2. to utter low, indistinct sounds; growl:

    Suddenly I heard my stomach grumble, and realized I hadn't had any lunch.

  3. to rumble:

    The thunder grumbled in the west.



verb (used with object)

grumbled, grumbling.
  1. to express or utter with murmuring or complaining.

noun

  1. an expression of discontent; complaint; unhappy murmur; growl.
  2. grumbles, a grumbling, discontented mood.
  3. a rumble.

grumble

/ ˈɡʌə /

verb

  1. to utter (complaints) in a nagging or discontented way
  2. intr to make low dull rumbling sounds
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a complaint; grouse
  2. a low rumbling sound
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܳԲ, adverb
  • ˈܳ, adjective
  • ˈܳ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܳb noun
  • ܳbԲ· adverb
  • ܳb adjective
  • ܲ·ܳbԲ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grumble1

First recorded in 1580–90; perhaps frequentative of Old English grymman “to wail”; compare Dutch grommelen, German grummeln, French grommeler (from Germanic )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grumble1

C16: from Middle Low German grommelen, of Germanic origin; see grim
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Some of her own MPs have grumbled privately that she has lacked oomph and cut-through in her opening months in the job.

From

Her hilariously deadpan assessment of it all over the family meal the following night is a grumble: “It’s stupid.”

From

Politicians from both parties have grumbled over the years about any one federal judge’s ability to pass rulings that have national impact.

From

Pegg's denials of wrongdoing were cast into doubt when it emerged that even members of Saunderson's gang had grumbled about their boss spending too much time with her, and away from his "work" and wife.

From

When news broke that the Dodgers planned to visit President Trump at the White House to commemorate last year’s World Series win, grumbles quickly spread across L.A.

From

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grumgrumbling appendix