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Definition of grump

grump

/ɡrʌmp/
grump
Adverb:grumpily
•
Plural:grumps
•
Adjective:grumpy
•
Past Simple:grumped
•
Past Participle:grumped
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Present Participle:grumping
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grump Lexical Profile

grump Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A bad-tempered, irritable, or sullen person.

Example

"My uncle can be a bit of a grump before he has had his morning coffee."

2

A fit of bad temper, sulkiness, or ill humor (often used in the plural).

Example

"The rainy weather left the entire household in a collective grump all afternoon."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To complain, mutter, or behave in an irritable, sullen, or bad-tempered manner.

Example

"He grumped about the traffic delay for the rest of the commute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for grump
Antonyms
View all antonyms for grump

• Rhymes for grump

• Nearby Words

grumblingly
grumbly
grumichama
grump
grumpies
grumpily
grumpiness

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 18th century (originally in the plural phrase 'in the grumps' meaning 'in a sulky mood'), likely of imitative origin echoing words like 'grumble' and 'grunt'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Grump. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/grump
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