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Rumble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rumble

rum-ble

🇺🇸 /ˈɹəmbəɫ/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹˈʌmbəl/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

Make a continuous deep, resonant sound like distant thunder.

Synonyms

growl, grumble, roar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rumble

Use this word to describe a low, continuous sound. Often used for distant thunder, or the sound of traffic. It can also describe the sound of an empty stomach.

  • The distant rumble of thunder made me uneasy.
  • I could hear the rumble of traffic from my apartment.
  • His stomach started to rumble loudly during the meeting.
grumble

This word is often used to describe a low, muttered complaint or expression of dissatisfaction. It usually has a negative connotation and implies that someone is unhappy about something but not openly aggressive.

  • She always grumbles about the long commute to work.
  • The workers grumbled under their breath as they were given more tasks.
growl

This word is typically used to describe a low, menacing sound made by animals, especially dogs, when they are angry or warning someone. It can also be used metaphorically for humans expressing anger quietly.

  • The dog began to growl when the stranger approached.
  • He growled in frustration when his computer crashed.
roar

Use this word to describe a loud, deep sound, typically made by lions or other large animals. It can also be used to describe a very loud human voice, especially when shouting or cheering.

  • The lion's roar echoed through the jungle.
  • The crowd roared with excitement when their team scored.

Examples of usage

  • The thunder rumbled in the distance.
  • The volcano rumbled ominously before erupting.
Context #2 | Noun

noise

A continuous deep, resonant sound like distant thunder.

Synonyms

growl, grumble, roar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rumble

Same definition as earlier, indicating a low continuous sound.

  • The city was alive with the rumble of traffic.
  • A low rumble could be heard through the walls.
roar

Describes a very loud, powerful sound that can come from a lion, an engine, or a crowd of people. This word can convey power, excitement, or anger, depending on the context.

  • The lion let out a deafening roar.
  • The crowd roared with excitement.
growl

Often used to describe the sound an animal (like a dog) makes when it's angry or threatened. It can also be used to describe a person's low, rough voice when they are upset or irritated.

  • The dog growled at the stranger.
  • He growled in irritation when he was interrupted.
grumble

Used when someone is complaining in a low, muttering voice. This word carries a mildly negative connotation as it indicates dissatisfaction or discontent.

  • She grumbled about having to work late.
  • He was always grumbling about the weather.

Examples of usage

  • The rumble of the train could be heard in the distance.
  • The rumble of the engines filled the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “rumble”

Rumble is a 2-syllable verb and noun (rum-ble). It is pronounced /ˈɹəmbəɫ/ in American English and /ɹˈʌmbəl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #18,149 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'rumble'

The word 'rumble' originates from Middle English, probably imitative of a low, continuous sound. It has been used to describe deep, resonant sounds for centuries, often associated with thunder or the movement of large objects.

Rhymes

Rumble rhymes with humble, tumble, stumble, crumble, jumble, grumble, mumble and fumble.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,149, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.