What does grumbling mean?
Grumbling means complaining in a low, often restrained or dissatisfied voice. It commonly describes the steady background complaints of a person or group: “The staff were grumbling about the long hours.” The word can also refer to a low, continuous sound, as when old machinery or pipes are said to be grumbling, and it can function as a noun for either the sound or the complaint itself. As an adjective, grumbling describes a person, voice, or attitude marked by dissatisfaction. Its associations are generally informal and mildly negative, often implying that complaints are persistent but not openly dramatic. In everyday use, grumbling frequently suggests a low-volume form of protest that accompanies an underlying frustration. The word is especially useful when the sound and the meaning of complaint overlap, making it vivid without requiring elaborate context.
To complain in a low or subdued voice, or to make a low rumbling sound.
"He sat at the back, grumbling about the quality of the meal."
Complaint expressed as grumbling is usually informal, restrained, and potentially persistent.
Expressing dissatisfaction or complaint, especially in a low, persistent manner.
"A grumbling crowd gathered outside the theatre."
A low rumbling sound, or an expression of complaint or dissatisfaction.
"There was a steady grumbling from the engine."
The noun is commonly used in the plural for recurring complaints, but it can also be uncountable when referring to a general atmosphere of complaint.
The plural is used for separate or recurring complaints or low rumbling sounds; the singular is also commonly uncountable.
"The engine's constant grumblings eventually became impossible to ignore."
Grumbling can be heard: it names both a low mechanical rumble and the low, persistent voice of complaint.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grumbling come from?
Grumbling is a present-participle and gerund form of grumble. Grumble comes from Middle English grumblen, borrowed from Middle French grumeler, which was related to Old French grumel, meaning “rumbling” or “muttering.” The development was probably influenced by the imitative force of the repeated consonants, and related English derivatives include grumbler and grumbly.
Related word forms
How grumbling is actually used
The expression of complaint is common in informal speech and often suggests persistent, muted, or halfhearted dissatisfaction. “Grumble” is more frequently used as the base verb, while “grumbling” is especially common as a participle or adjective.
Easily confused with grumbling
Rumbling primarily describes a deep continuous sound, whereas grumbling can describe that sound while also commonly expressing complaint.