Definition

1. Noun:

   • A continuous deep, resonant sound: A low, heavy, rolling noise, often prolonged, like that of distant thunder, heavy machinery, or an empty stomach.
   • A street fight between gangs or groups: (Slang, chiefly US) A violent confrontation, typically involving rival adolescent gangs.
   • A rear compartment: A historical term for a servant's seat or luggage compartment at the back of a carriage, or a folding extra seat in early automobiles (rumble seat).

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To make a continuous deep, resonant sound: To produce a low, rolling, often muffled noise.
   • To move with such a sound: To proceed while making this deep, vibrating noise.

3. Verb (transitive):

   • To utter in a deep, rolling manner: To say something with a low, grumbling tone.
   • To discover or detect: (Slang) To find out the true nature of something or someone, especially a deception.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The deep rumble of the earthquake frightened everyone.
  • A rumble between the two gangs was broken up by the police.
  • The luggage was stored in the rumble at the back of the coach.

• Verb (intransitive):

  • Thunder rumbled in the distance for hours.
  • The heavy trucks rumbled down the highway all night.

• Verb (transitive):

  • "Not now," he rumbled, his voice full of warning.
  • The detective finally rumbled their clever scheme.

Advanced Usage

• "to rumble on": To continue for a long time, often in a dull, monotonous, or persistent way.

  • The debate about the new policy rumbled on for weeks without conclusion.

• "a rumble of discontent": A metaphor indicating a low, growing expression of dissatisfaction from a group.

  • There was a rumble of discontent among the employees after the pay cuts were announced.

Variants and Related Words

• Rumbling (noun/adj): The act or sound of rumbling; making a rumble.
  • We felt the rumbling before we heard the noise.
• Rumbly (adj): Tending to rumble; characterized by rumbles.
  • He has a deep, rumbly voice.

Synonyms

• Noun (sound): Roar, boom, thunder, grumble, drone.
• Verb (to make sound): Roar, boom, thunder, growl, grumble.
• Verb (to discover): Uncover, detect, expose, fathom.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rumble along: To move forward steadily while making a rumbling noise.
  • The old train rumbled along the tracks.
• Rumble past: To move past something while rumbling.
  • A convoy of tanks rumbled past the checkpoint.

Related Idioms

• The rumble of the crowd: The collective, low noise made by a large group of people.
  • You could hear the rumble of the crowd from outside the stadium.
• A rumble in the jungle: (Famous from a boxing match) Used to describe a major, tumultuous confrontation or event.
  • The political debate turned into a real rumble in the jungle.

Noun

1. a fight between rival gangs of adolescents
2. a servant's seat (or luggage compartment) in the rear of a carriage
3. a loud low dull continuous noise
   • they heard the rumbling of thunder

Verb

1. to utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds
   • he grumbled a rude response
   • Stones grumbled down the cliff
2. make a low noise
   • rumbling thunder