grumbling

1 of 2

noun

grum·​bling ˈgrəm-b(ə-)liŋ 

plural grumblings

1

: a mutter of discontent : complaint

Operators of bars and restaurants, who hear the first-hand grumblings of customers on the boardwalk, tend to oppose the ordinance.

—Kevin Robinson

2

: a growling or reverberating noise : rumbling

On a shorter timescale, researchers and governments are working together to detect the first grumblings of an earthquake and alert communities that might be affected.

—Eva Botkin-Kowacki

grumbling

2 of 2

adjective

1

: expressing discontent especially by muttering

Meanwhile, grumbling fans wondered why the new coach hadn't hired any Ohioans for his staff.

—Erick Adelson

2

: making a low, heavy, rolling sound

There was no sound, still, but the rushing river and the grumbling, looming storm.

—Susan Cooper

grumblingly

ˈgrəm-b(ə-)liŋ-lē 

adverb

Some marine park wardens were doing a quick flyover, perhaps to check that we weren't poachers, and Al grumblingly went below to answer the crackling radio.

—Tony Perrottet

Examples of grumbling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Still, McGuire has a reputation for bringing big chunks of state dollars back into his district, even, during his time as Senate president, to the grumbling of some of his colleagues. —Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

The mayor has heard the grumblings. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026

But the grumblings about demolishing the library building have lately become a roaring debate. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

While the grumblings ring true, the alliance and investments did buy the Gulf an umbrella. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grumbling

• bumbling
• crumbling
• fumbling
• humbling
• mumbling
• rumbling
• stumbling
• tumbling