mumble Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a soft indistinct utterance
  2. verb talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
    mussitate; maunder; mutter.
  3. verb grind with the gums; chew without teeth and with great difficulty
    gum.
    • the old man had no teeth left and mumbled his food

WordNet

Mum"ble transitive verb
Etymology
OE. momelen; cf. D. mompelen, mommelen, G. mummelen, Sw. mumla, Dan. mumle. Cf. Mum, a., Mumm, Mump, v.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Mumbled ; present participle & verbal noun Mumbling
Definitions
  1. To speak with the lips partly closed, so as to render the sounds inarticulate and imperfect; to utter words in a grumbling indistinct manner, indicating discontent or displeasure; to mutter.
    Peace, you mumbling fool. Shak.
    A wrinkled hag, with age grown double, Picking dry sticks, and mumbling to herself. Otway.
  2. To chew something gently with closed lips.
Mum"ble transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To utter with a low, inarticulate voice. Bp. Hall.
  2. To chew or bite gently, as one without teeth.
    Gums unarmed, to mumble meat in vain. Dryden.
  3. To suppress, or utter imperfectly.

Webster 1913