verb
mumble
MUHM-buhl
verb
1
To speak quietly and unclearly, so words are hard to make out.
"He mumbled an apology and left the room."
"Stop mumbling and speak up so I can hear you."
How to Use Mumble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo talk in a low, unclear voice.
Common pairings
mumble a response
mumble under your breath
Word Forms
mumbled past tense, mumbles plural, mumbles singular
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He _____ an apology and left the room.
Etymology
From Middle English momelen, related to "mum" (silent); similar words exist in German and Dutch for indistinct chewing or muttering.