Murmur

/ˈmɜː.mə(ɹ)/ · noun

Meaning

(countable, uncountable) Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable, uncountable) Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water.
2. (countable, uncountable) Soft indistinct speech.
3. (cardiology, medicine) The sound made by any condition which produces a noisy, or turbulent, flow of blood through the heart.
4. A muttered complaint or protest; the expression of dissatisfaction in a low muttering voice; any expression of complaint or discontent.
5. (intransitive, now rare) To grumble; to complain in a low, muttering voice, or express discontent at or against someone or something.
6. (intransitive) To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter.
7. (transitive) To say (something) indistinctly, to mutter.

Example Sentences

1979: A translation of the Eclogues by Paul Alpers The windy murmur of the breeze subsides.

The delightful murmur of water running over pebbles is heard a few yards off

A murmur arose from the audience.

She howl'd aloud, “I am on fire within. / There comes no murmur of reply. / What is it that will take away my sin, / And save me lest I die?”

In the prison of the 'tween decks reigned a darkness pregnant with murmurs. The sentry at the entrance to the hatchway was supposed to "prevent the prisoners from making a noise," but he put a very liberal interpretation upon the clause, and so long as the prisoners refrained from shouting, yelling, and fighting--eccentricities in which they sometimes indulged--he did not disturb them.

The moment had come for the honeyed word. I lowered my voice to a confidential murmur, but on her inquiring if I had laryngitis raised it again.

[President Trump's firing of a dozen inspectors general] seems to have violated a law requiring that he provide 30 days’ notice, and set off a rare murmur of dissent from Capitol Hill Republicans.

Since aortic diastolic pressure is higher than pulmonary artery systolic pressure, there is continuous flow into the pulmonary circulation, creating the characteristic continuous ("machinery") murmur, heard best just below the left clavicle.

Synonyms for murmur

Antonyms for murmur

Related Words

Word Forms

• murmurs
• murmuring
• murmured

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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