Grunt
/ɡrʌnt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make a short, low sound like a pig or from exertion or disapproval.
/ɡrʌnt/
To make a low, guttural sound.
The tired hiker grunted as he climbed the hill.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're lifting a really heavy box. You might grunt as you struggle to lift it. Or, if someone asks a silly question, you might grunt to show you don't approve.
👶 For kids: To make a short, low noise like a pig.
More Examples
The dog grunted with pleasure as I scratched its belly.
He just grunted a reply and continued reading.
How It's Used
"The pig grunted contentedly as it ate its slop."
"He grunted in response, indicating his dissatisfaction."
A short, low sound expressing effort, disapproval, or effort.
/ɡrʌnt/
A low, guttural sound.
She gave a grunt of agreement.
💡 Simply: It's like the sound you make when you're lifting something heavy or when something bothers you. It's a short, low noise.
👶 For kids: A low sound.
More Examples
The weightlifter emitted a loud grunt as he lifted the bar.
I heard a grunt from the other room, indicating someone was awake.
How It's Used
"He let out a grunt of frustration."
(Informal) A foot soldier; an infantryman, especially in the US military.
/ɡrʌnt/
An informal term for a soldier or infantryman, especially in the U.S. military.
The veteran described his experiences as a grunt in Vietnam.
💡 Simply: Think of soldiers on the ground doing tough jobs – they're sometimes called grunts.
👶 For kids: A soldier.
More Examples
The company commander relied on the grunts to secure the area.
The grunts felt relieved when they finally reached the base.
How It's Used
"The grunts were exhausted after the long march."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
grunt work
Basic, often unpleasant or tedious, tasks.
"He was stuck doing the grunt work while his colleagues got the interesting assignments."
From Middle Dutch *gronten* or Middle Low German *grunten*, imitative of the sound.
The sound-based origin predates the military usage. The term began being used informally to describe enlisted soldiers starting in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a pig. When it's content or upset, it grunts.
Word Origin
"To make a guttural sound (imitative)."