mumbling
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mum·ble
(mŭm′bəl)v. mum·bled, mum·bling, mum·bles
v.tr.
1. To utter indistinctly by lowering the voice or partially closing the mouth: mumbled an insincere apology.
2. To chew slowly or ineffectively without or as if without teeth.
v.intr.
1. To speak words indistinctly, as by lowering the voice or partially closing the mouth.
2. To chew food slowly or ineffectively, as if with the gums.
n.
A low indistinct sound or utterance.
[Middle English momelen, from Middle Dutch mommelen.]
mum′bler n.
mum′bly adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Noun 1. mumbling - indistinct enunciation
diction, enunciation - the articulation of speech regarded from the point of view of its intelligibility to the audience
2. mumbling - ineffectual chewing (as if without teeth)
chewing, mastication, chew, manduction - biting and grinding food in your mouth so it becomes soft enough to swallow
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.