grumble

[ gruhm-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

, grum·bled, grum·bling.

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)

, grum·bled, grum·bling.

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

/ ˈɡrʌmbəl /

verb

1. to utter (complaints) in a nagging or discontented way
2. intr to make low dull rumbling sounds

noun

1. a complaint; grouse
2. a low rumbling sound

Derived Forms

• ˈgrumblingly, adverb
• ˈgrumbly, adjective
• ˈgrumbler, noun

Other Words From

• grumbler noun
• grumbling·ly adverb
• grumbly adjective
• un·grumbling adjective

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of grumble¹

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

Synonym Study

See complain.

Example Sentences

Mike and John also took some time to grumble, unprompted, over the difficulty of getting consistent, reliable solar-power hookups for their Henderson homes, having heard from friends about the trials involved with getting utilities to comply with reasonable rates, especially as the need for air conditioning jacked up energy demand.

From Slate

After watching “The Miracle Club,” I looked up her age — my profession cultivates the grim habit of keeping track of prewritten obituaries — and I could practically hear her saying in that wry, truth-telling grumble: “Not long now.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Some taxi drivers grumble throughout the journey after I have boarded,” he adds.

From BBC

Drug Enforcement Administration agents grumble that their work in Mexico has been hampered by local authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

“Of course, that’s unrealistic. It’s about the whole family, and I can’t grumble about the quality of what was delivered. It was really choice.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carp
• fuss
• gripe
• groan
• moan
• squawk