grueling
[groo-uh-ling, groo-ling]
- exhausting; very tiring; arduously severe: the grueling Boston marathon.
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- any trying or exhausting procedure or experience.
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Also especially British, gru·el·ling.
Origin of grueling
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for gruelling
Contemporary Examples of gruelling
Harry, the expedition patron, announced last month that he will join the gruelling 210-mile trek across Antarctica this winter.
Historical Examples of gruelling
It was a gruelling four years' struggle, but with success at the end of it.
Herbert HooverVernon Kellogg
Natalie insisted on camping early; for it had been a gruelling afternoon on Garth.
Two on the TrailHulbert Footner
The place was a rest billet, which we had just reached after a gruelling on the Somme.
But they were met by a gruelling volley, and with the cry of "No quarter!"
Famous Indian ChiefsCharles H. L. Johnston
The final bout of fireworks was a gruelling for both champions.
UlyssesJames Joyce
gruelling
US grueling
- severe or tiringa gruelling interview
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- informal a severe experience, esp punishment
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Word Origin for gruelling
C19: from now obsolete vb gruel to exhaust, punish
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
Word Origin and History for gruelling
also grueling, "exhausting, punishing," 1891, from late 18c. slang get one's gruel "receive one's punishment," from gruel.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper