rumble

1 of 2

verb

rum·​ble ˈrəm-bəl 

rumbled; rumbling ˈrəm-b(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to make a low heavy rolling sound

thunder rumbling in the distance

2

: to travel with a low reverberating sound

wagons rumbled into town

3

: to speak in a low rolling tone

4

: to engage in a rumble

transitive verb

1

: to utter or emit in a low rolling voice

2

British : to reveal or discover the true character of

rumbler

ˈrəm-b(ə-)lər 

noun

rumble

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a low heavy continuous reverberating often muffled sound (as of thunder)

b

: low frequency noise in phonographic playback caused by the transmission of mechanical vibrations by the turntable to the pickup

2

: a seat for servants behind the body of a carriage

3

a

: widespread expression of dissatisfaction or unrest

b

: a street fight especially among gangs

Synonyms

Verb

• growl
• grumble
• lumber
• roll

Examples of rumble in a Sentence

Verb

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

The train rumbles through town twice a day.

We watched as the trucks rumbled past.

The gangs rumbled in the alley.

Noun

I was awakened by the rumble of a train passing by.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado a train rumbles down a mountain valley. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024

Also pulling weight on international shores is Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, which has rumbled past the two-century mark globally, now with $221M worldwide. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024

Noun

Like the distant rumble of an approaching thunderstorm, the collective engine notes hint at the constrained intensity waiting to be unleashed. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024

Get ready for a rumble when Washington takes on the defending national champion Wolverines this weekend. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English; akin to Middle High German rummeln to rumble

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rumble

• rumble on
• rumble seat
• rumble strip

Kids Definition

rumble

1 of 2 verb

rum·​ble ˈrəm-bəl 

rumbled; rumbling -b(ə-)liŋ 

: to make or move with a low heavy rolling sound

thunder rumbled in the distance

rumble

2 of 2 noun

: a low heavy rolling sound