rumbling

noun

rum·​bling ˈrəm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce rumbling (audio)
Synonyms of rumblingnext
1
: rumble
2
: general but unofficial talk or opinion often of dissatisfaction
usually used in plural
rumblings of political trouble …Anthony Burgess

Examples of rumbling in a Sentence

There were rumblings about rising prices.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the likes of Arch Manning (Texas), Dante Moore (Oregon), Julian Sayin (Ohio State) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) expected to be available, there are rumblings the 2027 class could rival the 2024 edition that produced Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Bo Nix. Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 But in some of these older buildings, there could be low rumbling pipes [producing infrasound], and if somebody already has the expectation that something spooky might happen, the infrasound might drive that a bit. ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026 The plant houses 14 rumbling pumps in two football-field sized wings and is one of the most powerful water lifting systems in the world. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 While rumblings of a republic are never too far away, a survey taken at the end of the king’s last visit to Australia in 2024 showed most Australians wanted to keep the status quo. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rumbling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rumbling was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Rumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumbling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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