What does grouse mean?
Grouse has two familiar but quite different uses. As a verb, it means to complain or grumble, usually in a way that suggests persistent, audible, or mildly querulous dissatisfaction; the expression “grouse about something” is especially common. As a noun, it refers to a group of plump, ground-dwelling game birds, including the red grouse, which is strongly associated with the heather-covered moorlands of Britain, and the black grouse, found in parts of northern and central Europe. In British sporting language, grouse shooting has long been an established tradition. The noun and verb are both used in British and American English, although the verb is informal and the bird is more culturally prominent in Britain. The word is also useful for the contrast it creates: a grouse may be a bird, while grousing is what a person does.
To complain or grumble, especially repeatedly, loudly, or in a dissatisfied tone.
"Passengers began to grouse about the delayed departure."
Informal; often used with “about” or “at.”
Any of various plump, mostly ground-dwelling game birds, such as the red grouse and black grouse.
"The shooter spotted a grouse standing among the heather."
The plural is also “grouse.”
The plural of the noun is unchanged: one grouse, several grouse.
"Several grouse appeared on the ridge."
A grouse can mean a moorland bird—or the sound of someone doing exactly that: grousing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of grouse
The bird name is recorded in Middle English and has long been especially associated with Scottish and northern English usage. The complaint sense also appears in Middle English, although the precise medieval relationship between the two meanings is not fully transparent. Because the word’s detailed historical derivation and secure cognates are uncertain, no firm etymological relatives are listed here.
Related word forms
How grouse is actually used
The verb is informal and often suggests persistent, audible, or somewhat querulous complaint. The noun is especially associated with moorland game birds and with traditional grouse-shooting terminology.
Easily confused with grouse
Grouse can mean a game bird or the act of complaining, whereas browse means to feed on vegetation.