# grouse

/ˈɡɹaʊs/ (US) · /ɡɹˈaʊs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

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

## Definition

to complain or grumble about something, usually in a way that is slightly annoying to others. You use this when someone is unhappy about a small problem.

For teachers: to complain or grumble habitually about trivial matters. Often implies a persistent, low-level dissatisfaction rather than a formal protest.

## Examples

- He spent the whole morning grousing about the cold weather.
- The staff often grouse about the lack of free coffee, but they generally enjoy their work environment.
- While the soldiers would frequently grouse about the quality of the rations, their morale remained surprisingly high throughout the long winter deployment.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'about' or 'at'.

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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.