Rumbling: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฉ๏ธ
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rumbling

 

[หˆrสŒmb(ษ™)lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To make a continuous deep, resonant sound, such as thunder or the sound of a stomach.

Synonyms

growl, grumble, roar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rumbling

Used to describe a low, continuous sound, often associated with thunderstorms, machinery, or distant noise.

  • 1
  • The rumbling of thunder could be heard in the distance
  • 2
  • She felt a rumbling in her stomach, indicating she was hungry
grumble

Used to indicate a low and often prolonged complaining or muttering sound, usually expressing dissatisfaction. This has a negative connotation.

  • 1
  • She began to grumble about the long queue
  • 2
  • The workers grumbled about the extra hours they had to work
growl

Typically refers to a low, guttural sound made by animals, especially dogs, to show aggression or displeasure. It can also describe a human making a similar sound when angry.

  • 1
  • The dog started to growl when the stranger approached
  • 2
  • He growled in frustration when he couldn't open the jar
roar

Describes a very loud, deep sound, often made by lions or powerful machines. It can also refer to a loud expression of emotion, like laughter or cheering.

  • 1
  • The lion let out a deafening roar
  • 2
  • The crowd roared with excitement when the team scored

Examples of usage

  • The thunder was rumbling in the distance.
  • Her stomach started rumbling with hunger.
Context #2 | Noun

noise

A continuous deep, resonant sound.

Synonyms

grumble, roar, rumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rumbling

use this to describe a low, continuous, and often distant sound that can be related to thunder, stomach noises, or machinery.

  • I could hear the rumbling of thunder in the distance
  • My stomach is rumbling because I'm hungry
rumble

use this to describe a low, continuous sound that can be associated with distant thunder, trains, or heavy machinery. It often conveys a sense of something powerful or large moving.

  • A low rumble indicated an approaching storm
  • The train rumbled down the tracks
grumble

use this to describe a low, muttered complaint or discontented sound, often related to people voicing unhappiness under their breath. It's generally used in a negative or mildly annoyed manner.

  • She began to grumble about the unfairness of the situation
  • He grumbled something under his breath as he left the room
roar

use this to describe a loud, full, and powerful sound. It can be related to animals like lions, crowds of people, engines, or even nature like waterfalls.

  • The lion's roar could be heard from miles away
  • The crowd let out a roar of applause
  • The waterfall roared as the water crashed down

Examples of usage

  • The rumbling of the train could be heard in the distance.
  • The rumbling of the waterfall was deafening.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'romblian', meaning to make a low, heavy sound.
  • Related words include 'rumble' and 'rumor', both of which convey a sense of noise or disturbance.
  • In some dialects, 'rumbling' also refers to the sound of something rolling or moving heavily.

Science

  • In geology, a rumbling noise can indicate shifting tectonic plates, often preceding an earthquake.
  • The rumble of thunder occurs when lightning heats the air rapidly, creating sound waves.
  • Animals, especially large ones like elephants, can communicate through deep rumbling sounds that travel long distances.

Literature

  • Rumbling is often used in literature to describe impending danger, such as storms or battles approaching.
  • In children's stories, rumbling often accompanies scenes of excitement or mischief, enhancing the narrative tension.
  • Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien used rumbling sounds to create atmosphere, making readers feel the weight of the moment.

Pop Culture

  • In classic cartoons, characters often have rumbling tummies to humorously show they are hungry.
  • The term 'rumble' has been popularized in film and music to signify conflict or a showdown, especially in street culture.
  • Rumbling sounds are frequently featured in movie soundtracks to build suspense before a climactic moment.

Psychology

  • Rumbling sounds can trigger emotions and memories, often reminding people of past experiences like storms or family gatherings.
  • In therapy, pleasant rumbling sounds may be used to create a calming atmosphere, reducing anxiety.
  • Research shows that certain low-frequency sounds can affect our perception of time and space, leading to feelings of unease or unpredictability.

Translations

Translations of the word "rumbling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estrondo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคกเคผเค—เคกเคผเคพเคนเคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Grollen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ gemuruh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณัƒั€ะบั–ั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ grzmot

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ดใƒญใ‚ดใƒญ (gorogoro)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท grondement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ retumbo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรผrleme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐ๋ฅด๋ฆ‰๊ฑฐ๋ฆผ (ureureunggeorim)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dunฤ›nรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hrmenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้š†้š†ๅฃฐ (lรณng lรณng shฤ“ng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ grmenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gull

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณาฏั€ัั–ะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ แƒฃแƒฎแƒฃแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gurultu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ retumbo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,965, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.