verb
gripe
gryp
Gripe (verb) means to complain, often persistently about something minor. Example: “He's always griping about the weather.”
verb
1
To complain, often persistently about something minor.
"He's always griping about the weather."
"She griped to her friend about the long commute."
noun
1
A complaint, especially a small or petty one.
"My only gripe with the hotel was the slow Wi-Fi."
How to use gripe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA minor complaint, or the act of grumbling about something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "grip" (to hold firmly) — they share a root but have split meanings.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a minor gripe
gripe about something
my only gripe
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Word forms
- Plural
- gripes
- Third person singular
- gripes
- Past tense
- griped, grope, gripen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ to her friend about the long commute.
Etymology
From Old English grīpan ("to grasp"); the "complain" sense developed later, via an old meaning of griping stomach pains — a gripe was originally a pinching or cramping pain before it came to mean a nagging complaint.
Related words
Rhymes for gripe
See all rhymes for gripe →Frequently asked questions
What does “gripe” mean?
The word “gripe” means to complain, often persistently about something minor. In plain terms, a minor complaint, or the act of grumbling about something.
How do you pronounce “gripe”?
“Gripe” is pronounced gryp (/ɡɹaɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “gripe” in a sentence?
Here is “gripe” used in a sentence: “She griped to her friend about the long commute.”
What part of speech is “gripe”?
Depending on how it is used, “gripe” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gripe” come from?
The word “gripe” comes from Old English. From Old English grīpan ("to grasp"); the "complain" sense developed later, via an old meaning of griping stomach pains — a gripe was originally a pinching or cramping pain before it came to mean a nagging complaint.
How many meanings does “gripe” have?
“Gripe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to complain, often persistently about something minor.
