rumbling

1 of 2

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 plural
… rumblings of political trouble …—Anthony Burgess

rumbling

2 of 2

present participle of rumble entry 1

Examples of rumbling in a Sentence

Noun 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.
Noun
There are also rumblings that Alcaraz will play in the Mixed Doubles event next week, possibly with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 There are now industry rumblings that Netflix will join the Super Bowl rotation in 2029. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Clearly, the early rumblings of spygate, yet to be felt fully, had some effect as Southampton struggled to get into Middlesbrough territory. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Details of who had prompted the leadership rumblings at first remained a mystery. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rumbling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rumbling

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