Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Making a continuous, low, and often complaining sound: Describes a sound that is deep, muffled, and prolonged, often suggesting discontent or a physical disturbance like thunder or an upset stomach.

2. Noun:

   • The act of complaining in a low, muttered, or indistinct way: A complaint that is not openly declared but is expressed in a subdued, ongoing manner.
   • A continuous, low, dull noise: A deep, rolling, or vibrating sound, such as that made by distant thunder, machinery, or digestion.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • We could hear the grumbling thunder long before the storm arrived.
  • He went to bed early, troubled by a grumbling stomachache.

• Noun (as a complaint):

  • There was constant grumbling among the employees about the new policy.
  • She ignored his quiet grumbling and continued with her plan.

• Noun (as a sound):

  • The grumbling of the old furnace kept me awake.
  • The deep grumbling of the volcano warned of an impending eruption.

Advanced Usage

• "to be met with grumbling(s)": to be received with muted complaints or dissatisfaction.
  • The manager's announcement was met with audible grumbling from the team.
• "a grumbling appendix": a medical informalism for chronic, mild appendicitis.
  • The doctor suspected a grumbling appendix was the cause of her recurring pain.

Variants and Related Words

• Grumble (verb): To complain or protest in a bad-tempered but muted way; to make a low rumbling sound.
  • He tends to grumble about the weather.
  • My stomach started to grumble with hunger.
• Grumbler (noun): A person who grumbles habitually.
• Rumbling (noun/adjective): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with for low, continuous sounds.

Synonyms

• For the complaint: Muttering, grousing, moaning, whining.
• For the sound: Rumbling, growling, roaring, drone.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• To grumble about/at/over something: The standard construction for the verb.
  • The customers were grumbling about the slow service.
• A grumble and a groan: An idiom emphasizing vocal complaints and sounds of discomfort.
  • The hike up the hill was accompanied by a chorus of grumbles and groans.

Adjective

1. continuous full and low-pitched throbbing sound
   • the rumbling rolling sound of thunder

Noun

1. a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
2. a loud low dull continuous noise
   • they heard the rumbling of thunder