What does grumble mean?
To grumble is to complain, usually in a low, muttered, or mildly resentful voice. It often implies expressing dissatisfaction without making a formal complaint or becoming openly angry: someone may grumble about the weather, a delayed train, or an unpleasant task. The word can also describe a low rumbling sound, especially one produced by the stomach, a gate, or another object. As a noun, a grumble is a complaint or grievance, and the plural grumbles refers to several such complaints. Grumble is common in everyday British and American English and has a slightly informal, mildly critical tone. It is especially useful when describing a recurring or understated complaint, while the sound sense gives the word a vivid physical quality that connects complaint and noise.
To complain in a low or muttered voice, especially with dissatisfaction; also, to make a low rumbling sound.
"The staff began to grumble when the heating system failed."
The complaint sense is usually informal and suggests mild or persistent dissatisfaction rather than open anger.
A complaint or grievance expressed in a low or muttered voice; also, a low rumbling sound.
"There were a few grumbles about the long queue."
As a noun, a grumble often refers to a relatively minor or repeated complaint.
The plural is used for multiple complaints or for the sound produced by several sources.
"The workers exchanged grumbles about the new schedule."
Grumble began as the sound of low rumbling before it became the word for a complaint made under one’s breath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grumble come from?
The English word grumble is recorded from the early 16th century and belongs to the Middle English period of the language. Its earliest sense was a low rumbling sound, and the modern sense of expressing dissatisfaction developed from that sound-based image. The word is commonly linked with rumble, although its precise historical derivation is not entirely straightforward.
Related word forms
How grumble is actually used
The word is informal and often suggests a complaint that is repeated, low-key, or mildly resentful rather than an angry denunciation. The sound-related sense is less common but remains idiomatic in expressions such as “a belly grumble.”
Easily confused with grumble
A grumble is a complaint or a low sound made by someone, whereas a rumble is a deep continuous noise, such as that of thunder or an engine.
A grumble can express dissatisfaction in a low voice, while a mumble is speech that is indistinct or difficult to hear.