rumbling

noun

rum·​bling ˈrəm-b(ə-)liŋ 

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

In daytime, the rumbling of the steppe is subsumed by bright, relentless light. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

There were rumblings and comments in the spring and fall that Toney would be an early starter, but who could have predicted what happened? —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

Throughout the week there were rumblings across baseball that Kyle Tucker was nearing a decision. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026

Political rumblings, including the Supreme Court's upcoming ruling on tariffs, credit card rate caps, Iran, and the investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Powell, could impact markets this week. —Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rumbling

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