grum·bling
ˈgrəm-b(ə-)liŋ
plural grumblings
1
: a mutter of discontent : complaint
Operators of bars and restaurants, who hear the first-hand grumblings of customers on the boardwalk, tend to oppose the ordinance.—Kevin Robinson
2
: a growling or reverberating noise : rumbling
On a shorter timescale, researchers and governments are working together to detect the first grumblings of an earthquake and alert communities that might be affected.—Eva Botkin-Kowacki
1
: expressing discontent especially by muttering
Meanwhile, grumbling fans wondered why the new coach hadn't hired any Ohioans for his staff.—Erick Adelson
2
: making a low, heavy, rolling sound
There was no sound, still, but the rushing river and the grumbling, looming storm.—Susan Cooper
grumblingly
adverb
Some marine park wardens were doing a quick flyover, perhaps to check that we weren't poachers, and Al grumblingly went below to answer the crackling radio.
—Tony Perrottet
grumbling
3 of 3present participle of grumble
Cite this Entry
“Grumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grumbling. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.
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