groan

verb

groaned; groaning; groans

intransitive verb

1
: to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyance
groaned when she saw the bill
2
: to make a harsh sound (as of creaking) under sudden or prolonged strain
The chair groaned under his weight.

transitive verb

: to utter or express with groaning
groaned their despair
groan noun

Examples of groan in a Sentence

The wounded man groaned in pain. She groaned when she saw the bill. “Oh, no,” she groaned, “I'm going to have to start all over.” She groaned that she would have to start all over. Merchants are groaning over slow holiday sales. He's always moaning and groaning about his salary. The chair groaned under his weight.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both fell to the floor — Delaney groaning in ecstasy, Williams screaming in agony. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025 My assumption is that most rational human beings would happily stay in a warm and cozy office and simply listen to the building creak and groan under the force of the violent gusts. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 11 Mar. 2025 While my situation may have been particularly dire, my friends are all constantly groaning about their lingerie too. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2025 There also isn't a dry forehead in the studio, as the tough session has left them all moaning and groaning. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for groan

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gronen, from Old English grānian; akin to Old High German grīnan to growl

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of groan was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groan. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

groan

verb
1
: to utter a deep moan of pain, grief, or irritation
2
: to make a harsh sound under strain
the chair groaned under my weight
groan noun
groaner noun

More from Merriam-Webster on groan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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