murmur

/ˈmʌrmər/

/ˈmʌmə/

Other forms: murmured; murmuring; murmurs

A murmur is a quiet, blurred sound often heard from a distance. It can be comforting when you're little to fall asleep listening to the murmur of your parents talking downstairs.

Murmur can also be a verb that means the same as mutter: you say something so quietly that your words can't be understood. You might be complaining about something — a murmur is often a sign that someone's not pleased. A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound that can only be detected by a doctor with a stethoscope, it's so low and soft.

Definitions of murmur

1. noun

   a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
   synonyms: murmuration, murmuring, mussitation, mutter, muttering

   type of:

   sound

   the sudden occurrence of an audible event
2. noun

   an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
   synonyms: cardiac murmur, heart murmur

   types:

   systolic murmur

   a murmur heard during systole

   type of:

   symptom

   (medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease
3. noun

   a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
   synonyms: grumble, grumbling, murmuring, mutter, muttering

   type of:

   complaint

   an expression of grievance or resentment
4. verb

   speak softly or indistinctly
   “She murmured softly to the baby in her arms”

   types:

   coo

   speak softly or lovingly

   susurrate

   issue soft noises

   type of:

   mouth, speak, talk, utter, verbalise, verbalize

   express in speech
5. verb

   make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
   synonyms: croak, gnarl, grumble, mutter

   type of:

   complain, kick, kvetch, plain, quetch, sound off

   express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
6. noun

   a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant
   synonyms: murmur vowel

   type of:

   schwa, shwa

   a neutral middle vowel; occurs in unstressed syllables