rumbling

[ ruhm-bling ]

noun

1. Often rumblings. the first signs of dissatisfaction or grievance.
2. rumble ( def 7 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of rumbling¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; rumble, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Just after 20:00 GMT they heard a rumbling sound, but dismissed it as a passing bus.

From BBC

The couple live on the other side of the village, so the crowds of people have not bothered them too much, but Matthew said he had heard rumblings of discontent from other residents.

From BBC

In the Golden State, the nation’s most populous and economically mighty, Trump’s claimed mandate seemed muted, like a rumbling from elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times

Helene and Milton, the two massive hurricanes that just swept into the country — killing hundreds of people, and leaving both devastation and rumblings of political upheaval in seven states — amounted to their own October surprise.

From Salon

Another word for “rile” is “catalyze,” which is what Reagan hoped to do to the rumblings of change behind the Iron Curtain.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• detonation
• explosion
• roar
• rumble