Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Making a low, continuous, indistinct sound: Describes something that produces a soft, steady, and often indistinct noise, like the sound of gentle water or quiet voices.

2. Noun:

   • A low, continuous, indistinct sound: A soft, steady noise, often one that is difficult to hear clearly, sometimes accompanied by slight lip movement without clear speech.
   • A complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone: A grumble or expression of dissatisfaction spoken quietly or under one's breath.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • We fell asleep to the murmuring stream. (We fell asleep to the soft, continuous sound of the stream.)
  • The murmuring crowd outside grew louder. (The low, indistinct sound of the crowd outside grew louder.)

• Noun (Sound):

  • A constant murmuring came from the next room. (A constant low, indistinct sound came from the next room.)
  • The only sound was the murmuring of the wind in the trees. (The only sound was the soft, continuous noise of the wind in the trees.)

• Noun (Complaint):

  • He ignored the murmuring of his unhappy employees. (He ignored the quiet complaints of his unhappy employees.)
  • There was murmuring among the passengers about the delay. (There were low-voiced complaints among the passengers about the delay.)

Advanced Usage

• "A murmuring of...": Used to describe the collective, indistinct sound or quiet talk of a group.
  • A murmuring of agreement passed through the audience. (A low sound of agreement passed through the audience.)

Variants and Related Words

• Murmur (verb/noun): To make or the act of making a low, continuous sound; to speak softly or indistinctly.
  • He began to murmur an apology. (He began to speak a soft, indistinct apology.)
• Murmurous (adjective): Characterized by or full of murmurs; making a murmuring sound.
  • The murmurous evening was peaceful. (The evening full of soft sounds was peaceful.)

Synonyms

• Muttering: Speaking in a low, indistinct voice, often in discontent.
• Mumbling: Speaking quietly and indistinctly.
• Rustling: A soft, muffled crackling sound like that of leaves or paper.
• Grumbling: Complaining in a bad-tempered but often quiet way.

Related Phrases

• Without a murmur: Without any complaint or protest.
  • She accepted the difficult task without a murmur. (She accepted the difficult task without any complaint.)

Adjective

1. making a low continuous indistinct sound
   • like murmuring waves
   • susurrant voices

Noun

1. a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
2. a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech