rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygruntLow throat sound
noun / verb

grunt

GRUHNT/ɡrʌnt/

A brief, low sound made in the throat.

The man grunts as he raises a heavy sack.

A close, face-led view of an older man giving an effort grunt as he raises a heavy sack against a low platform.
Etymology
gruntOld Englishto grunt

Old English grunnettan was a frequentative form of a verb meaning “to grunt,” suggesting repeated sounds. Its origin was probably imitative of the sound itself.

In context

WHYO1:31
At 75 volts, you hear him grunt. At 120, he shouts that it's painful.
The Milgram Experiment: Why We Follow Dangerous Orders

More examples

  • She answers with a grunt instead of a greeting.
  • The pigs grunt as they crowd around the feeder.
  • He lets out a grunt of effort while pushing the couch.

Forms

grunt · grunts · grunted · grunting

Similar words

groan
Usually longer, often expressing pain, effort, or frustration.
growl
A rougher, more sustained sound, often signaling anger or warning.