grouch

noun

ˈgrau̇ch 

1

: a habitually irritable or complaining person : grumbler

2

a

: a fit of bad temper

b

: grudge, complaint

grouch intransitive verb

Synonyms of grouch

• complainer
• crab
• bear
• crank
• curmudgeon
• grump

Examples of grouch in a Sentence

an uncle who is a real grouch when he's sick

having been proven wrong, he had a grouch on for hours afterwards

Recent Examples on the Web

The known grouch bent down and picked up the slipper, then started to talk to Edith. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025

It’s painted Ulrich as a public grouch ever since; the out-of-touch rich rock star who wants to fight for every dime. —Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Lisa and Abe will always be grouches, but there is value in being the antithesis. 26. —Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024

Warm feelings fueled by the wonder and kindness of the season, inspired by the transformative and timeless experiences of Ebenezer Scrooge who changed from a selfish, penny-pinching grouch, into a generous, happy and altruistic person. —Eric C. Shuster, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of grutch grudge; from Middle English grucche, grugge, from grucchen — more at grudge

First Known Use

circa 1895, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for grouch

• bouche
• couch
• crouch
• ouch
• pouch
• slouch
• vouch

Kids Definition

grouch

noun

ˈgrau̇ch 

1

: a sudden outburst of bad temper

2

: an irritable or complaining person

grouch verb

grouchily

ˈgrau̇-chə-lē

adverb

grouchiness

-chē-nəs

noun

grouchy

-chē

adjective