murmur Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
    murmuring; muttering; mutter; murmuration; mussitation.
  2. noun a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant
    murmur vowel.
  3. noun an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
    heart murmur; cardiac murmur.
  4. noun a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
    murmuring; grumbling; grumble; muttering; mutter.
  5. verb speak softly or indistinctly
    • She murmured softly to the baby in her arms
  6. verb make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
    grumble; gnarl; mutter; croak.
    • she grumbles when she feels overworked

WordNet

Mur"mur noun
Etymology
F. murmure: cf. L. murmur. CF. Murmur, v. i.
Definitions
  1. A low, confused, and indistinct sound, like that of running water.
  2. A complaint half suppressed, or uttered in a low, muttering voice. Chaucer.
    Some discontents there are, some idle murmurs. Dryden.
Mur"mur intransitive verb
Etymology
F. murmurer, L. murmurare, murmurari, fr. murmur murmur; cf. Gr. to roar and boil, said of water, Skr. marmara a rustling sound; prob. of imitative origin.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Murmured ; present participle & verbal noun Murmuring
Definitions
  1. To make a low continued noise, like the hum of bees, a stream of water, distant waves, or the wind in a forest.
    They murmured as doth a swarm of bees. Chaucer.
  2. To utter complaints in a low, half-articulated voice; to feel or express dissatisfaction or discontent; to grumble; -- often with at or against. "His disciples murmured at it." John vi. 61.
    And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron. Num. xiv. 2.
    Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured. 1 Cor. x. 10.
Mur"mur transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To utter or give forth in low or indistinct words or sounds; as, to murmur tales. Shak.
    The people murmured such things concerning him. John vii. 32.

Webster 1913