Definition of gruel
1 : a thin porridge
2 [from to get one's gruel to accept punishment] chiefly British : punishment
3 : something that lacks substance or significance the argument was thin gruel
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Origin and Etymology of gruel
Middle English grewel, from Anglo-French gruel, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grūt grout
GRUEL Defined for English Language Learners
gruel
playDefinition of gruel for English Language Learners
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: a thin food made by boiling oatmeal or some other grain in water or milk
GRUEL Defined for Kids
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See words that rhyme with gruel Britannica English: Translation of gruel for Arabic speakers
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