rumbling

noun

rum·​bling ˈrəm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce rumbling (audio)
Synonyms of rumblingnext
1
: rumble
2
: general but unofficial talk or opinion often of dissatisfaction
—usually used in plural
… rumblings of political trouble …—Anthony Burgess

Examples of rumbling in a Sentence

There were rumblings about rising prices.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amid the rumblings of construction at nearby David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the sound of a shrill whistle and chopping feet at the nearby Murfin Family Practice Fields signaled one thing. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Tom Holland and Zendaya buried any rumblings of cinema’s untimely demise under $360 million this weekend by leading two massive films to unprecedented success at the box office. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 History tells us that the small tremors in these places are the first rumblings of something much bigger. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 In the days leading up to England-Mexico at the Azteca, there were rumblings that the start time of the match might be moved up several hours to avoid forecast thunderstorms. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rumbling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rumbling was in the 14th century

Rhymes for rumbling

See All Rhymes for rumbling

Browse Nearby Words

rumble-tumble
rumbling
rumblingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumbling. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rumbling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rumbling

Nglish: Translation of rumbling for Spanish Speakers

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