grump

American  

[gruhmp] / grʌmp /

noun

grumps plural

1. a person given to constant complaining.

2. Informal. the grumps, a depressed or sulky mood.

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verb (used without object)

1. to complain or sulk.

grump British  

/ ɡrʌmp /

noun

1. a surly or bad-tempered person

2. (plural) a sulky or morose mood (esp in the phrase have the grumps )

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verb

1. (intr) to complain or grumble

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• grumps
  plural

Etymology

Origin of grump

First recorded in 1835–45; probably back formation from grumpy

Explanation

A grouchy, complaining person is a grump. If you mope around all week during a rainy vacation with your family, don't be surprised if they call you a grump. Before grump came to mean a cranky person, the phrase the grumps was used for "a fit of ill-humor." The word may stem from a now-obsolete adjective, grum, "morose or surly." If your neighbor is a grump, he won't be amused by the massive water balloon fight in your yard — but it still may be worth baking him some cookies as an apology for scaring his little dog.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grump grumps

Mitts’ personality is reminiscent of Sam Sylvia, Maron’s lovable grump of a director on Netflix’s wrestling dramedy “GLOW.”

From Salon ● Jun. 4, 2025

In fact, it’s Grant’s sense of humor that led “Wonka” director Paul King to cast him for the role in the film: His Oompa Loompa is also a grump.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2023

At first, the grump does his best to scare off the invader.

From New York Times ● Sep. 21, 2023

One is a cynical grump whose cold-hearted plot to steal Christmas dampens the festive mood.

From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2022

“You’re such a grump in the morning,” she said, shaking her head.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

The cabin creates a serious, smart and sophisticated space—perhaps too clever by half, for some grumps.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 16, 2026

I have grown into one of those grumps who is wary of how easily we throw around honorifics like “legendary” and “GOAT.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 10, 2025

But the spat punctures any suggestion that the Budget will end grumps and strops inside the party.

From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2025

But now they are also philosophers, political sages, conspiracy-mongers, grumps, rebels and outcasts.

From New York Times ● Oct. 27, 2021

Mrs. March was very busy trying to finish a letter, which must go at once, and Hannah had the grumps, for being up late didn’t suit her.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott