grunt

8 definitions • 14 examples

(of a pig) to make a low, rough noise:

The pigs were grunting contentedly as they ate their food.

(of a person) to make a short, low sound instead of speaking, usually because of anger or pain:

He hauled himself over the wall, grunting with the effort.

[ + speech ] "Too tired," he grunted and sat down.

a short, low sound that an animal or person makes :

Loud grunts were coming from the pigsty.

The only conversation I get from my teenagers is a few grunts.

a soldier of low rank:

He still thinks like a grunt in the trenches.

The young grunts defended themselves with all manner of fire.

someone who does an unskilled job, especially a boring job:

He said. "If you can't get a 'good' job, go be a construction grunt."

Union grunts, wealthy business executives, private companies and three federal agencies joined the legal fray after the company's collapse.

power or determination:

The vehicle's exhaust hints at far more grunt than there actually is.

They lack the forward ferocity and sheer grunt of the French rugby team.

a dish consisting of cooked fruit with a thick bread-like mixture on top, cooked in a flat saucepan on top of the cooker:

A grunt is cooked in a covered skillet on the stove top.

Try our recipe for blueberry grunt.

to make a short, low noise, esp. in surprise, pain, or pleasure, or to show that you do not want to talk:

I tried to start a conversation, but he just grunted and continued reading.