groan

verb

groaned; groaning; groans

intransitive verb

1
: to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyance
groaned when she saw the bill
2
: to make a harsh sound (as of creaking) under sudden or prolonged strain
The chair groaned under his weight.

transitive verb

: to utter or express with groaning
groaned their despair
groan noun

Examples of groan in a Sentence

The wounded man groaned in pain. She groaned when she saw the bill. “Oh, no,” she groaned, “I'm going to have to start all over.” She groaned that she would have to start all over. Merchants are groaning over slow holiday sales. He's always moaning and groaning about his salary. The chair groaned under his weight.
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.
Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia GM Chris Ballard likely groaned as another top tight end was picked just before the Colts were on the clock for the second straight year. Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 Sure, there are cute ducks waddling around the encampment, but the groaning wind, dense forest, and unyielding mountains summon the series’ long-standing specter of pagan mysticism, as if the area were ruled by old gods who see the Wiskayok high-schoolers not as survivors but trespassers. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 The plane, groaning to gain altitude, struck the massive bridge connecting Arlington with the District, congested with traffic at the time, and then catapulted into the water. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025 The individual coughed and groaned, clearly in distress. Jason Richmond, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for groan 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gronen, from Old English grānian; akin to Old High German grīnan to growl

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of groan was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near groan

Cite this Entry

“Groan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groan. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

groan

verb
1
: to utter a deep moan of pain, grief, or irritation
2
: to make a harsh sound under strain
the chair groaned under my weight
groan noun
groaner noun

More from Merriam-Webster on groan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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