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

Insiders say No 10’s focus groups - which have been asked about the Budget in the last few days - have understood the decisions, reporting some grumbles but not much sign of outrage.

From BBC

That is the direct consequence of a landslide majority, which can become a giant numerical sponge, soaking up a breadth of grumbles if it needs to.

From BBC

After record-breaking winter rain left Long Beach’s roads riddled with tens of thousands of potholes, residents grumbled about how long it would take to smooth out the motorist minefield.

From Los Angeles Times

Even then, some fans grumbled that he didn’t win a title every season.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

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