I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of grunten
1. : the act or an instance of grunting
groanings and gruntings on all sides
a lot of grunting from the guys on crutches — R.O.Bowen
2. : abnormal respiration in a horse marked by a laryngeal sound emitted when it is struck or moved suddenly — compare roaring
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of grunt (I)
: sounding like a grunt : resembling a grunt
the breathing is shallow and grunting — Morris Fishbein
a grunting mirthless laugh — Barnaby Conrad
• grunt·ing·ly adverb