groan
Other forms: groaned; groans; groaning
A groan is a sound of pain or disapproval that doesn't consist of words, usually heard after homework is assigned or bad jokes are told.
People groan for lots of reasons: headaches, stomachaches, traffic jams, and bad news are just a few groan-worthy things that can provoke that moaning, "uuugghhhhh" sound. If someone is complaining about something, you could say she's "moaning and groaning." People like to moan and groan about the weather, politics, and just about everything else.
Definitions of groan
-
an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
-
synonyms:
moan
-
type of:
-
utterance, vocalization
the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
-
utterance, vocalization
-
indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
Pronunciation
US
/groʊn/
UK
/grəʊn/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
- MLA
- APA
- Chicago
Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘groan'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Look up groan for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.
