Mutter: meaning, definitions and examples

To speak in a low, barely audible voice, often in dissatisfaction or annoyance.

• She muttered something under her breath when she saw the long queue
• He muttered angrily as he looked for his lost keys

To speak in a way that is not clear enough to be understood, often due to nervousness or being unsure.

• She mumbled when asked a difficult question
• He tends to mumble when he is tired

To say something in a soft, quiet voice, often conveying comfort or secrecy.

• The mother murmured a lullaby to her child
• They murmured secrets to each other in the dark

To complain in a low voice, often continuously and with a negative tone.

• He grumbled about the bad weather all day
• The employees grumbled about the new policy

Used when someone speaks in a low voice that is hard to hear, often because they are annoyed or not wanting to be overheard.

• She muttered something under her breath when she heard the news

Used when someone speaks in a quiet and unclear way, making it hard for others to understand. It can happen when someone is shy, nervous, or not sure of their words.

• She was mumbling during her presentation, making it hard for the audience to follow along

Used to describe complaining in a slightly angry or annoyed but quiet way. It often suggests dissatisfaction with something.

• He was grumbling about the long wait at the doctor's office

Used mostly to describe speaking softly and indistinctly, often as a group noise. It is typically neutral or pleasant and can also be used to describe natural sounds like water flowing softly.

• There was a soft murmuring of the crowd as they waited for the concert to start
• The murmuring brook added a soothing background to their camping trip