mumble

MUHM-buhl

Mumble (verb) means to speak quietly and unclearly, so words are hard to make out. Example: “He mumbled an apology and left the room.”

verb

To speak quietly and unclearly, so words are hard to make out.

"He mumbled an apology and left the room."

"Stop mumbling and speak up so I can hear you."

How to use mumble

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo talk in a low, unclear voice.

Common pairings

mumble a response mumble under your breath

Word forms

mumbled past tense, mumbles plural, mumbles singular

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He _____ an apology and left the room.

Etymology

From Middle English momelen, related to "mum" (silent); similar words exist in German and Dutch for indistinct chewing or muttering.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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gum mutter maunder mussitate

Related words

complain rubber gum whisper hum resin goo maunder

Rhymes for mumble

tumble bumble fumble jumble rumble humble grumble stumble crumble

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mumble” mean?

The word “mumble” means to speak quietly and unclearly, so words are hard to make out. In plain terms, to talk in a low, unclear voice.

How do you pronounce “mumble”?

“Mumble” is pronounced MUHM-buhl (/ˈmʌmbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “mumble” in a sentence?

Here is “mumble” used in a sentence: “He mumbled an apology and left the room.”

What part of speech is “mumble”?

“Mumble” is a verb.

Where does the word “mumble” come from?

The word “mumble” comes from Middle English. From Middle English momelen, related to "mum" (silent); similar words exist in German and Dutch for indistinct chewing or muttering.

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