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View synonyms for

grumble

[gruhm-buhl]

verb (used without object)

grumbled, grumbling 
  1. to murmur or mutter in discontent; complain sullenly.

    Tim always found something to grumble about.

  2. to utter low, indistinct sounds; growl.

    Suddenly I heard my stomach grumble, and realized I hadn't had any lunch.

  3. to rumble.

    The thunder grumbled in the west.



verb (used with object)

grumbled, grumbling 
  1. to express or utter with murmuring or complaining.

noun

  1. an expression of discontent; complaint; unhappy murmur; growl.

  2. grumbles, a grumbling, discontented mood.

  3. a rumble.

grumble

/ ˈɡʌə /

verb

  1. to utter (complaints) in a nagging or discontented way

  2. (intr) to make low dull rumbling sounds

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a complaint; grouse

  2. a low rumbling sound

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • grumbler noun
  • grumblingly adverb
  • grumbly adjective
  • ungrumbling adjective
  • ˈܳԲ adverb
  • ˈܳ adjective
  • ˈܳ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grumble1

First recorded in 1580–90; perhaps frequentative of Old English grymman “to wail”; compare Dutch grommelen, German grummeln, French grommeler (from Germanic )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grumble1

C16: from Middle Low German grommelen, of Germanic origin; see grim
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Meanwhile, the chancellor has asked her MPs to go out and sell the government's plan - just as some of them grumble that both she and the prime minister are no good at doing that themselves.

From

So often the grumble is one of short-termism, the quick win, the lack of strategic long term thought.

From

Ever since Labour MPs have grumbled they've been taking heat for it.

From

Plenty tell me the grumbles about his approach to running the party ran well beyond the gripes you can find in any workplace about the bosses.

From

Naturally, some early fans grumbled as they moved beyond their lo-fi sound.

From

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grumgrumbling appendix