grumble

[gruhm-buhl]

verb (used without object)

grumbled, grumbling 

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)

grumbled, grumbling 

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

Other Word Forms

• grumblingly adverb
• grumbly adjective
• grumbler noun
• ungrumbling 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

The growing strain on the island had produced plenty of eye-rolls and grumbles, but this month events took a sombre turn.

From BBC

Coming out of the City Ground on Saturday, along with frustration at a second-successive home loss, supporters also grumbled at the decision to award Sunderland the free-kick that led to the goal.

From BBC

“Too soft, too stately,” a critic friend grumbled at Telluride.

From Los Angeles Times

Visual artists who labored on the Sphere project have justly grumbled that their sweat has gotten publicly dismissed as AI.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was all I could do to keep from slapping her for even asking that,” he grumbles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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