What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
murmur
Example
The couple murmured sweet nothings to each other. [murmured: verb]
Example
The murmur of the river was the only sound in the peaceful valley. [murmur: noun]
gurgle
Example
The water gurgled as it flowed down the drain. [gurgled: verb]
Example
The gurgle of the coffee pot signaled that the coffee was ready. [gurgle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Murmur is more commonly used than gurgle in everyday language. Murmur is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gurgle is less common and refers to a specific type of sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between murmur and gurgle?
Both murmur and gurgle are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.