grumble
pronunciation
How to pronounce grumble in British English:
UK [ˈɡrʌmbl]
How to pronounce grumble in American English:
US [ˈɡrʌmbl]
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- Noun:
- a loud low dull continuous noise
- a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
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- Verb:
- show one's unhappiness or critical attitude
- make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
- to utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds
- make a low noise
Word Origin
- grumble
- grumble: see grim
- grumble (v.)
- 1580s, "complain in a low voice;" 1590s, "make a low, rumbling sound," from Middle French grommeler "mutter between the teeth" or directly from Middle Dutch grommelen "murmur, mutter, grunt," from grommen "to rumble, growl." Imitative, or perhaps akin to grim (adj.). With excrescent -b- as in mumble. Related: Grumbled; grumbling.
- grumble (n.)
- 1620s, from grumble (v.).
Example
- 1. Others grumble that big pharma firms are too bureaucratic .
- 2. They all had a good grumble but failed to find that road .
- 3. Who are we , that you should grumble against us ?
- 4. Competition is fine , but professors grumble that they spend too much time on grant applications .
- 5. Businesses and banks will grumble about the burden of regulation .