grunt
1 synonym for grunt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short, low, snorting sound, often expressing effort, annoyance, or reluctance.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use grunt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grunt work
give a grunt
The "low-ranking worker/soldier" sense is informal/slang.
Etymology
From Old English grunnettan, meaning to grunt, ultimately imitative of the sound itself.
Full origin of grunt →Frequently asked questions
What does “grunt” mean?
The word “grunt” means a short, low, snorting sound, often expressing effort, annoyance, or reluctance. In plain terms, a short grunting sound, or slang for a low-ranking soldier or worker doing the grunt work.
How do you pronounce “grunt”?
“Grunt” is pronounced gruhnt (/ɡɹʌnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “grunt” in a sentence?
Here is “grunt” used in a sentence: “He gave a grunt of acknowledgment without looking up.”
What part of speech is “grunt”?
Depending on how it is used, “grunt” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grunt” come from?
The word “grunt” comes from Old English. From Old English grunnettan, meaning to grunt, ultimately imitative of the sound itself.
Is “grunt” a common word?
“Grunt” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “grunt” have?
“Grunt” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, low, snorting sound, often expressing effort, annoyance, or reluctance.
