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.
Recent rumblings The volcano’s eruption follows significant volcanic activities, including 50 in two hours, up from the average eight to 10 activities per day. — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 Republican rumblings over spending So far, polls suggest that Mr. Trump’s varied supporters are generally sticking with him, although with signs of clear concern about the potential pocketbook effect of tariffs on consumer prices. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2025 There were rumblings at the trade deadline KD wanted to land with the Celtics or Knicks. — Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 With the Kevin Durant trade rumblings getting louder and the NBA Draft less than two weeks away, major roster moves around the league will be made soon. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 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

Rhymes for rumbling

See All Rhymes for rumbling

Browse Nearby Words

rumble-tumble
rumbling
rumblingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumbling. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rumbling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rumbling

Nglish: Translation of rumbling for Spanish Speakers

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