grumble

verb

grum·​ble ˈgrəm-bəl How to pronounce grumble (audio)
grumbled; grumbling ˈgrəm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce grumble (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to mutter in discontent
grumbled about the scarcity of jobs
2
: growl, rumble
Thunder grumbled in the distance.

transitive verb

: to express with grumbling
grumbled his annoyance
grumble noun
grumbler noun
grumbly adjective

Examples of grumble in a Sentence

There's been a lot of grumbling among the employees. Some of the customers have been grumbling about poor service. Fans grumbled about the team's poor play. “When are we going to leave?” he grumbled. We could hear thunder grumbling in the distance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The neighbors won’t appreciate the grumbling exhaust, though the engine doesn’t rev particularly high for a V12, given the 6,000-rpm redline. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 The bikes grumble and occasionally break down, as do the 50-somethings, which is reassuring to us ordinary folk who get to see the glory of all without having to straddle a motorcycle for two months. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 Federal Reserve rate cuts: Trump grumbles the Fed is losing a race with Europe to cut interest rates. Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 19 June 2025 So, while there was grumbling frustration at times that three high-profile signings had not made a more explosive impact at their new club, some leeway should be given when judging players’ immediate performances. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grumble

Word History

Etymology

probably from Middle French grommeler, ultimately from Middle Dutch grommen; akin to Old High German grimm grim

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grumble was in 1580

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grumble. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

grumble

verb
grum·​ble ˈgrəm-bəl How to pronounce grumble (audio)
grumbled; grumbling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce grumble (audio)
1
: to mutter in discontent
2
grumble noun
grumbler noun
grumblingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on grumble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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