What does "murmur" mean?
Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water.
Murmur
/ˈmɜː.mə(ɹ)/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water.
- Grammar: murmur is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: cardiac murmur, grumble, murmuration, mutter.
- Useful contrasts: yaup, bang, bawl.
- Usage evidence: There was a murmur when she entered the room.
How to use "murmur"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "murmur" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "murmur" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "murmur" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "murmur" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "murmur" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cardiac murmur" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "murmur", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water. countable, uncountable
"The delightful murmur of water running over pebbles is heard a few yards off"
- 2 a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant wordnet
- 3 Soft indistinct speech. countable, uncountable
"A murmur arose from the audience."
- 4 a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone wordnet
- 5 The sound made by any condition which produces a noisy, or turbulent, flow of blood through the heart. countable, uncountable
"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."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech wordnet
- 7 A muttered complaint or protest; the expression of dissatisfaction in a low muttering voice; any expression of complaint or discontent. countable, uncountable
"In fear of disease and in the interest of his health man will be muzzled and masked like a vicious dog, and that without any murmur of complaint."
- 8 an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves wordnet
Verb
- 1 To grumble; to complain in a low, muttering voice, or express discontent at or against someone or something. archaic, intransitive
"The Iewes then murmured at him because he sayde: I am that breed which is come doune from heaven."
- 2 make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath wordnet
- 3 To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter. intransitive
"I couldn't hear the words; he just murmured a lot."
- 4 speak softly or indistinctly wordnet
- 5 To say (something) indistinctly, to mutter. transitive
"I […] heard thee murmur tales of iron wars;"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"There was a murmur when she entered the room."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "murmur"?
Common synonyms include: cardiac murmur, grumble, murmuration, mutter, air a grievance, aspirate.
How do you use "murmur" in a sentence?
There was a murmur when she entered the room.
How do you pronounce "murmur"?
Pronounced /ˈmɜː.mə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Middle English murmur, murmor, murmour, from Old French murmure (modern French murmure), from Latin murmur (“murmur, humming, muttering, roaring, growling, rushing etc.”).