Definition of rumble noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary



    BrE BrE//ˈrʌmbl//
    ; NAmE NAmE//ˈrʌmbl//
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  1. 1[uncountable, countable] rumble (of something) a long deep sound or series of sounds the rumble of thunder Inside, the noise of the traffic was reduced to a distant rumble. (figurative) Although an agreement has been reached, rumbles of resentment can still be heard.
  2. 2[countable] (North American English, informal) a fight in the street between two or more gangs (= groups of young people)
  3. Word Originlate Middle English: probably from Middle Dutch rommelen, rummelen, of imitative origin. Sense 3 of the verb may be a different word.Extra examples We could hear the distant rumble of thunder. He gave a low rumble of laughter. There was an ominous rumble of thunder from the approaching storm.
See the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary entry: rumble