What does murmur mean?
A murmur is a low, continuous sound, often produced by people speaking quietly or expressing unease without speaking loudly. It can refer to the sound of a single voice, as in someone murmuring instructions, or to a collective response, such as a murmur of approval or discontent. Used as a verb, murmur has two closely related meanings: to speak softly and indistinctly, and to complain in a subdued, often indirect way. The word is useful because it captures communication that is audible as a pattern or atmosphere but lacks clear, emphatic words. It can describe a literal acoustic phenomenon while also suggesting unease, dissatisfaction, or conspiratorial communication. In British and American English, murmur generally has the same meanings and neutral register, although the noun's use for a formal collective complaint can sound somewhat literary.
A low, continuous sound of a voice or voices; a subdued expression of discontent.
"A murmur of discontent passed through the gallery."
The expression “a murmur of approval” and “a murmur of discontent” are established idiomatic phrases.
To speak softly or indistinctly, or to complain in a subdued and indirect manner.
"He murmured that the delay was unacceptable, but said nothing more."
When used to mean complain, the verb is often followed by about, at, or over.
The plural is used for separate low sounds or expressions of discontent and in established phrases such as “murmurs of approval.”
"Murmurs of approval rose from the audience."
From a barely audible voice to a collective expression of unease, a murmur can turn quiet dissatisfaction into something unmistakable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does murmur come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French murmure, a borrowing from Latin murmur, meaning a low or indistinct sound. The ultimate origin of the Latin term is uncertain, although it became the source of cognates in several Romance languages, including Spanish murmullo, Italian mormorio, and Portuguese murmúrio. English later developed verb meanings associated both with speaking softly and making a subdued complaint.
Related word forms
How murmur is actually used
The word is neutral in register in both British and American English. Its noun use for a collective complaint, especially in phrases such as “a murmur of discontent,” has a slightly formal or literary tone; in everyday speech, “grumble” may sound more informal.
Easily confused with murmur
A murmur is the sound itself or a subdued complaint, whereas a mumble refers more specifically to speech that is difficult to understand because it is indistinct.