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.
Dean grumbled and backed off when a long line formed at the theater box office and the concert sold-out in a flash. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 Trump grumbled during a White House meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Erin Doherty, CNBC, 6 May 2025 For example, before Spencer guns down Whitfield in his dressing robe, Jacob grumbles that the world of private investment will learn not to knock on the ranch’s door again, at least not for a generation or two. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025 There is already some grumbling that the G League has been hollowed out by the creation of a third two-way spot, and that was during a period when more talent was reaching the league. Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 1 May 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 23 May. 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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