mutter

American  

[muht-er] / ˈmʌt ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to utter words indistinctly or in a low tone, often as if talking to oneself; murmur.

2. to complain murmuringly; grumble.

3. to make a low, rumbling sound.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter indistinctly or in a low tone.

   to mutter complaints.

noun

1. the act or utterance of a person who mutters.

mutter ¹ British  

/ ˈmʌtə /

verb

1. to utter (something) in a low and indistinct tone

2. (intr) to grumble or complain

3. (intr) to make a low continuous murmuring sound

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noun

1. a muttered sound or complaint

Mutter ² British  

/ ˈmʊtə /

noun

1. Anne-Sophie. born 1963, German violinist

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Related Words

See murmur.

Other Word Forms

• mutterer noun
• muttering noun
• mutteringly adverb
• unmuttered adjective
• unmuttering adjective
• unmutteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of mutter

1325–75; Middle English moteren, perhaps frequentative of moot ( Old English mōtian to speak); -er ⁶

Example Sentences

“Saloli,” she muttered, because that was the Cherokee word for squirrel.

From Literature

“Vanish? Mayhem?” he muttered, packing the rotten fruit from the dump around his cinder mushrooms.

From Literature

He managed to mutter a few words with the help of his host, and was thrilled to receive a standing ovation from the crown for his efforts.

From BBC

That approach contrasts with reports of tension under Alonso, with Vinicius muttering "I'm going to leave this team" after being substituted in October's Clasico.

From BBC

There were mutterings in the tech sphere they couldn't afford the fight.

From BBC

Related Words

• complain
• groan
• growl
• moan
• murmur
• snarl
• sputter
• whisper