grunt

grunt — verb

1. if a pig or similar animal grunts, it makes a short, deep, rough noise from its

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

if a pig or similar animal grunts, it makes a short, deep, rough noise from its throat — the kind of sound that is typical of pigs

Example

The pigs in the barn grunted loudly when the farmer brought their food.

grunt + animal subject / at feeding time

A wild boar grunted once and then disappeared into the bushes.

intransitive: grunt + adverb of manner

Common collocations
  • pig grunts
  • boar grunts
  • grunt loudly
  • grunt happily
Synonyms
  • oink

    a higher, more specific pig sound; mostly used for piglets or in children's language

  • snort

    a louder, sharper noise forced through the nose, not the throat

Grammar Patterns

grunt (no object)

2. when a person grunts, they produce a quick, rough noise in the throat without fo

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

when a person grunts, they produce a quick, rough noise in the throat without forming proper words — often because they feel pain, irritation, physical strain, or lack of interest; the verb can also describe speaking while making this kind of noise

Example

When Stefan lifted the heavy crate onto the truck, he grunted with effort.

intransitive: grunt + with + [reason]

Indra just grunted in reply when her mother asked about her exam results.

grunt in reply / without words

Common collocations
  • grunt with effort
  • grunt in pain
  • grunt in reply
  • grunt in agreement
  • grunt something
Synonyms
  • mutter

    speak quietly and unclearly, but using actual words rather than a throat noise; less about effort or pain

  • groan

    a longer, more drawn-out sound of pain, disappointment, or complaint; usually louder than a grunt

Antonyms
  • exclaim

    to say something suddenly and loudly — the opposite of a reluctant, low sound

Grammar Patterns

grunt (no object)

grunt + speech

grunt + that-clause

Usage Note

When used transitively, the object is almost always quoted speech ("Yes," he grunted) or an indefinite pronoun (grunted something). A full that-clause is very rare in modern English.

Common Mistakes

She grunted to me that she was tired.
She grunted and said she was tired.
'grunt' does not naturally take an indirect object or a full that-clause as its complement.

grunt — noun

Word family

  • grunting
    adjectiveB2
  • grunter
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

All four words describe short, non-verbal or semi-verbal sounds that express a reaction rather than a clear message. 'Grunt' is the shortest and most guttural — a quick, low burst from the throat, usually conveying effort, pain, or reluctant agreement. 'Mutter' involves actual words, but spoken quietly and unclearly under the breath, often when the speaker is annoyed or complaining. 'Groan' is longer, more drawn out, and more vocalised — it carries a sense of despair, disappointment, or physical misery. 'Sigh' is a breathy outwards sound that expresses resignation, relief, or boredom; it is airy rather than guttural. For example: Hugo grunted 'Fine' without looking up (reluctant, throaty). Abigail muttered complaints about the rule (unclear words of annoyance). Stefan groaned when he saw the long queue (drawn-out disappointment). Tara sighed and put down the heavy bag (breathy relief).

grunt ↗mutter ↗groansigh ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • grunt softly
  • grunt loudly
  • grunt quietly
  • grunt inarticulately

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'grunt' probably comes from an imitation of the sound itself — a type of word called onomatopoeia. Similar words exist in other Germanic languages, such as Old English 'grunnettan' and German 'grunzen', both describing the same low throaty noise made by pigs. The use of 'grunt' for a low-ranking soldier became popular during the Vietnam War in the 1960s, while the food sense (a fruit dessert) appears in English cookbooks from the 19th century, also named after the noise the cooking fruit makes.