First Known Use: 1580
Dictionary
grumble
verb grum·ble \ˈgrəm-bəl\
: to complain quietly about something : to talk in an unhappy way
: to make a low, heavy sound
grum·bledgrum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of GRUMBLE
intransitive verb
1
: to mutter in discontent
transitive verb
: to express with grumbling
— grumble noun
— grum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
— grum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
— grum·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adjective
See grumble defined for English-language learners
See grumble defined for kids
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Origin of GRUMBLE
probably from Middle French grommeler, ultimately from Middle Dutch grommen; akin to Old High German grimm grim
Related to GRUMBLE
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, complain, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
GRUMBLER Defined for Kids
1grumble
verb grum·ble \ˈgrəm-bəl\
grum·bledgrum·bling
2grumble
noun
Learn More About GRUMBLE
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