grondement
/ɡʁɔ̃d.mɑ̃/
The English phrase "rumbling" is translated into French as grondement.
grondement is used for various low-frequency sounds such as thunder, a stomach growling or the distant sound of heavy machinery.
Meaning: deep low noise (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun grondement is derived from the verb gronder, which means "to rumble" or "to growl".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡʁɔ̃d.mɑ̃/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The verb gronder used to describe a low 'rumbling' sound also means 'to scold' or 'to reprimand' a child. A parent's verbal 'rumbling' is actually a lecture.
- In French, a stomach that is 'rumbling' is often described as avoir le ventre qui gargouille. While grondement is technically correct, gargouillis is the more common word for the specific liquid sound of hunger.
- The word 'gronder' shares an ancient root with words describing 'grinding' or 'grating' motions, linking the sound of a rumble to the physical sensation of friction.
Examples in context
- Pendant ce temps, le grondement devenait progressivement de plus en plus fort.Meanwhile, the rumbling was gradually getting louder.This sentence is useful for describing how the grondement was gradually getting louder.Tatoeba #8852403 by lbdx, translation #7916556 by AlanF_US
- Le grondement du tonnerre était effrayantThe rumbling of thunder was frightening
- J'entends un bruit sourd au loinI hear a distant rumbling
- J'ai faim, mon ventre grondeI'm hungry, my stomach is rumbling
- J'ai entendu un ronflement sourd similaire à celui d'une machineI heard a dull rumbling similar to that of a machine
- Les moteurs grondaientThe engines were rumbling
- Mon estomac grondeMy stomach is rumbling
- Le grondement du tonnerre était si fort que les fenêtres ont tremblé.The rumbling of the thunder was so loud that the windows shook.
- On entend un grondement sourd au loin.We hear a low rumbling in the distance.
- Le grondement de l'orage a réveillé le chat.The rumbling of the storm woke up the cat.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are outside during a storm.
- LéaTu entends ce grondement au loin ?Do you hear that rumbling in the distance?
- LucasOui, l'orage approche rapidement.Yes, the storm is approaching quickly.
- LéaLe grondement devient vraiment impressionnant.The rumbling is becoming really impressive.
- LucasVite, rentrons à la maison, Lucas !Quick, let's go back home, Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rumbling” translations and entries grondement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
