adjective

groaning

GROH-nihng

Groaning (adjective) means making a low sound of pain, strain, or complaint. Example: “The table was groaning under the weight of all the food.”

adjective

Making a low sound of pain, strain, or complaint.

"The table was groaning under the weight of all the food."

"We heard a groaning noise from the basement pipes."

How to use groaning

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribing something that is groaning — often used for a surface or structure overloaded with weight.

Common pairings

groaning under the weight a groaning table groaning shelves

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The table was _____ under the weight of all the food.

Etymology

From groan plus the "-ing" ending, describing something that is currently making that sound.

Rhymes for groaning

waning weaning meaning leaning moaning loaning cleaning demeaning

See all rhymes for groaning →

Frequently asked questions

What does “groaning” mean?

The word “groaning” means making a low sound of pain, strain, or complaint. In plain terms, describing something that is groaning — often used for a surface or structure overloaded with weight.

How do you pronounce “groaning”?

“Groaning” is pronounced GROH-nihng (/ˈɡɹoʊnɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “groaning” in a sentence?

Here is “groaning” used in a sentence: “The table was groaning under the weight of all the food.”

What part of speech is “groaning”?

“Groaning” is an adjective.