What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rumble
Example
The rumble of the train could be heard from miles away. [rumble: noun]
Example
The storm outside caused the windows to rumble with each clap of thunder. [rumble: verb]
growl
Example
The dog growled at the stranger approaching its territory. [growled: past tense verb]
Example
She let out a low growl of frustration when she realized she had lost her keys. [growl: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rumble is more commonly used than growl in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and can describe a variety of sounds. Growl is more specific and often associated with animal behavior or human emotion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rumble and growl?
Both rumble and growl are informal words, but rumble can be used in more formal contexts when describing natural phenomena or machinery.
