groan
groan Lexical Profile
groan Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A deep, inarticulate sound emitted in response to pain, despair, frustration, or disapproval.
"His terrible pun was met with a collective groan from the audience."
A low, creaking sound made by an object under heavy pressure or strain.
"The old wooden floorboards gave a loud groan as the heavy piano was rolled across the room."
• verb
To make a deep, inarticulate sound conveying pain, grief, annoyance, or disapproval.
"The students groaned when the teacher announced an unexpected quiz."
To make a low creaking sound when subjected to heavy weight or strain, or to be heavily loaded with things.
"The banquet table groaned under the weight of the holiday feast."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'groan' with its homophone 'grown' (the past participle of 'grow').
• Rhymes for groan
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English gronen, from Old English granian ('to murmur, lament, or groan'), of imitative Germanic origin.