mumble

verb

mum·​ble ˈməm-bəl How to pronounce mumble (audio)
mumbled; mumbling ˈməm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce mumble (audio)

intransitive verb

: to utter words in a low confused indistinct manner : mutter

transitive verb

1
: to utter with a low inarticulate voice
2
: to chew or bite with or as if with toothless gums
mumble noun
mumbler noun
mumbly adjective

Examples of mumble in a Sentence

He mumbled something and then left. He mumbled “Goodbye” and then left. I can't understand you when you mumble.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two haggard fighters trade punches throughout the 15th and final round, mumbling promises to each other that there will be no re-match, and the bell rings, both men barely upright, but having survived. Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 5 Nov. 2024 But Pippa ignores her friend’s request, sneaks out of the room, and tiptoes downstairs to find Naomi, who is mumbling something about missing jammy dodgers. Fletcher Peters, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024 Another guy mumbled to himself, squatting on cardboard in front of a bank. Joshua Cohen, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024 This female victim, however, was being particularly combative, struggling to free her arms from the straps and mumbling incoherently. Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for mumble 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English momelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of mumble was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mumble

Cite this Entry

“Mumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mumble. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mumble

1 of 2 verb
mum·​ble
ˈməm-bəl
mumbled; mumbling
-b(ə-)liŋ
1
: to speak softly and unclearly
2
: to eat with or as if with toothless gums
a baby mumbling its food
mumbler
-b(ə-)lər
noun
mumbly
-b(ə-)lē
adjective

mumble

2 of 2 noun
: speech that is not clear enough to be understood

More from Merriam-Webster on mumble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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