English Reference

Word

rumbling

Phoneticsrum·bling

US/ˈɹəmbəɫɪŋ/

UK/ɹˈʌmblɪŋ/

Definition

n. a deep, low sound that is not very loud. You often hear this when a large machine is working or when the ground is shaking slightly.

n. a deep, low, continuous sound, typically produced by a large machine or the movement of the earth. Often used to describe the noise of a distant engine or the seismic activity of an earthquake.

Examples

“The low rumbling of the train grew louder as it approached.”

“A distant rumbling shook the windows of the old house, making the residents look up at the dark clouds.”

“The rhythmic rumbling of the industrial machinery provided a constant backdrop to the workers' conversations, masking the occasional sharp clang of metal on metal.”

Examples

simple

“The low rumbling of the train grew louder as it approached.”

contextual

“A distant rumbling shook the windows of the old house, making the residents look up at the dark clouds.”

complex

“The rhythmic rumbling of the industrial machinery provided a constant backdrop to the workers' conversations, masking the occasional sharp clang of metal on metal.”

Word family

rumbleNounrumblingNoun

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference