rumbling

noun

rum·​bling ˈrəm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce rumbling (audio)
Synonyms of rumblingnext
1
: rumble
2
: general but unofficial talk or opinion often of dissatisfaction
usually used in plural
rumblings of political trouble …Anthony Burgess

Examples of rumbling in a Sentence

There were rumblings about rising prices.
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 plant houses 14 rumbling pumps in two football-field sized wings and is one of the most powerful water lifting systems in the world. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 While rumblings of a republic are never too far away, a survey taken at the end of the king’s last visit to Australia in 2024 showed most Australians wanted to keep the status quo. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 Earlier this offseason, there were rumblings that last year's second overall pick, a two-way star who won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, would become a full-time corner while occasionally playing wide receiver, a switch from his role this past season. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026 As a bare stage swiftly gets dressed in black curtains framing its sides, rumblings fester in the dance ensemble’s torsos and limbs; Danker’s music becomes increasingly driving, propulsive (and painfully loud—an issue that persists through most of the evening). Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rumbling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rumbling was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Rumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumbling. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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