First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
mutter
verb mut·ter \ˈmə-tər\
: to speak quietly so that it is difficult for other people to hear what you say
: to complain in a quiet or indirect way
Full Definition of MUTTER
intransitive verb
1
: to utter sounds or words indistinctly or with a low voice and with the lips partly closed
2
: to murmur complainingly or angrily : grumble
transitive verb
: to utter especially in a low or imperfectly articulated manner
— mutter noun
— mut·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
See mutter defined for English-language learners
See mutter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MUTTER
Middle English muteren, of imitative origin
Related to MUTTER
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, complain, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
MUTTERER Defined for Kids
mutter
verb mut·ter \ˈmə-tər\
mut·teredmut·ter·ing
Definition of MUTTER for Kids
1
: to speak in a low voice with lips partly closed <He muttered an apology.>
2
: to complain in a low voice : grumble <She muttered about the bad food.>
Learn More About MUTTER
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up mutter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).