I. ˈgrəmbəl verb
( grumbled ; grumbled ; grumbling -b(ə)liŋ ; grumbles )
Etymology: probably modification of Middle French grommeler, from Old French grumeler, from gromer, from Middle Dutch grommen; akin to Middle Low German grummen to grumble, Old High German umbe grummōn to gnaw, grimm savage — more at grim
intransitive verb
1. : to mutter in discontent : express dissatisfaction especially in a low harsh voice and surly manner : complain
grumbling about no jobs, and no grub — Richard Llewellyn
grumbled at her, continually muttering complaints — Kenneth Roberts
2.
a. : to make low indistinct noises : growl
b. : to make a low heavy rumbling sound
thunder grumbled in the distance
heavy traffic grumbling along
the anchor chain … began to grumble aboard — Victor Canning
transitive verb
: to express or utter with grumbling
consumers grumbled their endless … complaints — B.F.Fairless
grumbled his annoyance
Synonyms: see complain
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : the act of expressing discontent especially by muttering : complaint
a final grumble … that the best part of this book has long been available at a much cheaper rate — Times Literary Supplement
b. : a cause or reason for grumbling
the high cost of living was his daily grumble
2. : growl , rumble
creak and grumble of heavy trucks — Virginia A. Oakes