What does quarreling mean?
Quarreling describes people, groups, or voices involved in a disagreement, argument, or prolonged dispute. It is both the present participle of the verb “quarrel” and an adjective used before a noun, as in “a quarreling couple.” The word commonly suggests repeated or persistent conflict rather than a single brief disagreement, and it can carry the implication of hostility, raised voices, or an argument that is difficult to resolve. In everyday use, “quarreling” is often more emotionally charged than “discussing” or “disputing,” particularly when describing family members, partners, neighbors, or colleagues. The spelling follows the usual regional pattern: “quarreling” with one l is standard in American English, while “quarrelling” with two l's is common in British English. The expression “quarrel with” is also widely used: “quarreling with his brother” identifies the person or authority involved in the dispute.
Engaged in a disagreement or argument, often one that is repeated or persistent.
"The quarreling players were separated by the referee."
Usually appears before a noun describing the people or parties involved.
The present participle of quarrel, meaning to engage in a sustained or repeated argument.
"They spent the evening quarreling about where to travel."
The form may be used independently or followed by “with” or “over” to indicate the person, subject, or cause of the dispute.
The spelling with one l is common in American English, while the spelling with two l's is standard in British English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quarreling come from?
Quarreling is derived from “quarrel,” whose noun and verb forms entered Middle English from Anglo-French forms meaning a dispute, debate, or complaint. The ultimate origin of “quarrel” is disputed; it is sometimes connected with Latin quaerere, “to ask” or “to seek,” but that proposed connection is not certain. The present-participle form with -ing developed in the same way as other English verbs and now serves both as an action form and as an attributive adjective.
Related word forms
How quarreling is actually used
When used attributively, as in “quarreling couple,” the word describes people who are engaged in a dispute and often implies that the dispute is persistent. American English normally uses one l in “quarreling,” whereas British English commonly uses two. The form can sound less neutral than “disputing” because it can imply quarrelling that is noisy, hostile, or difficult to resolve.