groan

verb

ˈgrōn 

groaned; groaning; groans

intransitive verb

1

: to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyance

groaned when she saw the bill

2

: to make a harsh sound (as of creaking) under sudden or prolonged strain

The chair groaned under his weight.

transitive verb

: to utter or express with groaning

groaned their despair

groan noun

Synonyms of groan

• moan
• wail

Examples of groan in a Sentence

The wounded man groaned in pain.

She groaned when she saw the bill.

“Oh, no,” she groaned, “I'm going to have to start all over.”

She groaned that she would have to start all over.

Merchants are groaning over slow holiday sales.

He's always moaning and groaning about his salary.

The chair groaned under his weight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whatever the result, Sunday’s election in the state of Saxony-Anhalt is a clear signal flare that the foundations of modern Germany are groaning. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

More than 200 walruses were hauled out on the beach, grunting and groaning, wriggling and jostling for position. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Fans of both teams cheered and groaned as their favorite players' fortunes fluctuated. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

The eggs royale hit the nail on the head, although the groaning plate that passed me by with the Zetter full English did also catch my eye. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gronen, from Old English grānian; akin to Old High German grīnan to growl

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for groan

• blown
• clone
• cone
• crone
• drone
• flown
• grown
• hone
• joan
• jone
• known
• loan

Kids Definition

groan

verb

ˈgrōn 

1

: to utter a deep moan of pain, grief, or irritation

2

: to make a harsh sound under strain

the chair groaned under my weight

groan noun

groaner noun