What does murmuring mean?
Murmuring is the present participle of murmur and describes speaking or making a sound quietly, continuously, and often indistinctly. People murmur when speaking in a low voice, while water, machinery, or a crowd may produce a similar continuous sound. The word can also describe the expression of restrained dissatisfaction: a murmuring group is not openly protesting but is communicating unease or opposition. As a noun, a murmuring may refer either to the sound itself or to this quiet collective unrest. The expression is common in both British and American English and can be used figuratively, as in “a murmuring of discontent.” Compared with whispering, murmuring often suggests a sustained or collective sound rather than a deliberately secret remark; compared with mumbling, it does not necessarily imply unclear articulation.
To speak in a low, continuous, often indistinct voice or make a low continuous sound.
"People began murmuring as the speaker entered the room."
Often implies that the sound is sustained and difficult for others to hear clearly.
Making a low, continuous sound or expressing quiet dissatisfaction.
"A murmuring crowd gathered outside the courthouse."
The figurative sense is especially common in political and social contexts.
A continuous low sound, or quiet and restrained collective dissatisfaction.
"A murmur of disapproval passed through the audience."
The noun often occurs in the expressions “a murmuring of discontent” and “a murmur of approval.”
A murmuring can be the voice of water, a restless crowd, or dissatisfaction quietly gathering force.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does murmuring come from?
The word belongs to the family of murmur, which entered English from Old French murmer in the Middle English period. It ultimately derives from the Latin murmurare, a verb associated with a low, continuous sound. Related English forms include murmuration and murmurous, while the ultimate origin of the Latin word is uncertain.
Related word forms
How murmuring is actually used
The word is neutral in tone but often suggests that the sound is sustained, low, and not fully audible. In political or social contexts, “murmuring” can imply restrained but growing dissatisfaction.
Easily confused with murmuring
Murmuring describes a sustained, low-volume sound, whereas mumbling often means speaking with unclear or indistinct articulation.