# rumbling

/ˈɹəmbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌmblɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rumbling
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.