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
1
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 notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like groaning.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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
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.
