verb

grapple

GRA-puhl

Grapple (verb) means to struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation. Example: “The team is still grappling with how to fix the bug.”

verb

To struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation.

"The team is still grappling with how to fix the bug."

"She grappled with the decision for weeks before finally choosing."

To grip or wrestle with someone or something physically.

"The two wrestlers grappled on the mat for several minutes."

noun

A hooked tool or clawed device used to grab and hold onto something, such as another boat.

"Sailors threw the grapple to hook the enemy ship's rail."

How to use grapple

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo wrestle with something, either physically or mentally, trying hard to get a hold of it or solve it.

Common mistake

Most modern use is figurative (grappling with a problem, not a person) — the literal wrestling sense is now rarer outside combat sports.

Common pairings

grapple with an issue grapple with the problem grappling hook

Word forms

grappled past tense, grappled past tense, grapples plural, grapples plural, grapples singular, grapples singular

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She _____ with the decision for weeks before finally choosing.

Etymology

From Old English/Middle English roots meaning "to seize" — the same family as "grab" and "grasp".

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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deal manage cope grip contend wrestle grappling get by grapnel make do grappler make out

Related words

see take help lot power deal hear trade

Rhymes for grapple

apple pineapple

See all rhymes for grapple →

Frequently asked questions

What does “grapple” mean?

The word “grapple” means to struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation. In plain terms, to wrestle with something, either physically or mentally, trying hard to get a hold of it or solve it.

How do you pronounce “grapple”?

“Grapple” is pronounced GRA-puhl (/ˈɡɹæpəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “grapple” in a sentence?

Here is “grapple” used in a sentence: “She grappled with the decision for weeks before finally choosing.”

What part of speech is “grapple”?

Depending on how it is used, “grapple” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “grapple” come from?

The word “grapple” comes from Old English. From Old English/Middle English roots meaning "to seize" — the same family as "grab" and "grasp".

How many meanings does “grapple” have?

“Grapple” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to struggle hard with a difficult problem or situation.

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