Dictionary.com

Popular Searches

 Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

rumbling

American  
[ruhm-bling] / ˈrʌm blɪŋ /

noun

  1. Often rumblings. the first signs of dissatisfaction or grievance.

  2. rumble.

Etymology

Origin of rumbling

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On hearing a rumbling noise, I looked down the road and saw a wagon coming.

From Literature

My stomach rumbled as I touched the ground, but then I heard another rumbling.

From Literature

Royal scandals increase the glare on issues rumbling beneath the surface.

From BBC

Then, one rumbling, earthshaking day, it had poured out its heart of boiling, rolling, melting lava, and the round green peak had been blown away.

From Literature

We work quickly as distant, rumbling thunder threatens to destroy our secret project.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.