# grumble

/ˈɡɹəmbəɫ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈʌmbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grumble
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to complain

verb · CEFR B2

to complain about something in a quiet, unhappy way.

For teachers: to murmur or mutter with discontent; to express dissatisfaction in a low, surly tone.

- The passengers began to grumble about the train delay after waiting for an hour.
- The staff would frequently grumble about the new management's policies, though rarely did anyone voice these concerns during official meetings.

Usage: Often used with 'about' or 'at'.

### 2. to rumble

verb · CEFR B2

to make a low, heavy sound like thunder or a hungry stomach.

For teachers: to emit a low, continuous, and muffled sound; typically used for inanimate objects or physiological processes.

- I forgot to eat breakfast, and now my stomach has started to grumble.
- Thunder began to grumble in the distance, warning the hikers that the clear afternoon sky was about to change.

Usage: Intransitive; does not take a direct object.

### 3. a complaint

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a quiet complaint or a feeling of being unhappy with something.

For teachers: a surly or low-voiced complaint; an expression of minor discontent.

- There was a bit of a grumble from the crowd when the show started late.
- Despite the general success of the project, there was a persistent grumble among the senior engineers regarding the lack of technical documentation.

Usage: Countable.

### 4. a rumbling sound

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a low, deep sound that continues for a short time.

For teachers: a low-frequency acoustic event, such as the sound of distant thunder or intestinal activity.

- The distant grumble of the volcano kept the villagers awake all night.
- The low grumble of the heavy machinery provided a constant, vibrating backdrop to the daily life of the factory workers.

Usage: Countable.

## Examples

- The crowd let out a loud grumble when the show started late.
- There was a constant grumble among the staff about the new office rules and the lack of breaks.
- The engine emitted a low, rhythmic grumble as it struggled to maintain power on the steep incline, much to the driver's growing frustration.

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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.