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rum·ble

(rŭmbəl)

v. rum·bled, rum·bling, rum·bles

v.intr.

1. To make a deep, long, rolling sound.

2. To move or proceed with a deep, long, rolling sound.

3. Slang To engage in a gang fight.

v.tr.

1. To utter with a deep, long, rolling sound.

2. To polish or mix (metal parts) in a tumbling box.

1. A deep, long, rolling sound.

2. A tumbling box.

3. A luggage compartment or servant's seat in the rear of a carriage.

4. Slang

a. Pervasive, widespread expression of unrest or dissatisfaction.

b. A gang fight.

[Middle English romblen, perhaps from Middle Dutch rommelen or from Middle Low German rummeln.]

rumbler n.

rumbling·ly adv.

rumbly adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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