# groan

/ˈɡɹoʊn/ (US) · /ɡɹˈəʊn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/groan
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to make a long, deep sound because you are in pain, unhappy, or annoyed. You might do this when you hear a bad joke or have to do a difficult task.

For teachers: to utter a deep, inarticulate sound expressive of pain, grief, or disapproval. Often used to describe a physical reaction to discomfort or a metaphorical reaction to an unwelcome situation.

## Examples

- He let out a loud groan when the alarm went off.
- The audience began to groan as the comedian told another terrible pun.
- The old wooden floorboards would groan under the weight of anyone walking through the hallway at night, echoing through the silent house.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He groaned a loud sound" but "He let out a loud groan" — When used as a verb, groan is intransitive and does not take a direct object like 'sound'; use it as a noun with 'let out' or 'give' instead.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive; often followed by 'at' or 'with' to indicate the cause of the sound.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.