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.
There’s also a sense of how the family’s relative privilege comes into play, not just in Johanne’s upbringing (with access to a country cabin), but also through Karin’s point-of-view as a battle-weary feminist activist, who groaned over Kristin’s love of Flashdance as a kid. Nicolas Rapold, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2025 The scene shows Hart in a box at the St. James Theatre, rolling his eyes and groaning to his mother before slipping out to get a drink during the title song of Oklahoma! David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025 The car then begins to drive as the man, still lying down, continues to yell and groan in the back seat. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groan. Accessed 9 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!