a medium to large game bird with a plump body and feathered legs, the male being larger and more brightly colored than the female, complain pettily; grumble

go grouse hunting, grouse about something, grouse like a bear

black grouse, red grouse, spruce grouse

Formal and Informal Expressions of grouse

In different contexts, you can replace 'grouse' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'complain, protest' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'grumble, whine' is a commonplace synonym.

grouse: Explore its Definition & Usage

grouse Definition

1a medium to large game bird with a plump body and feathered legs, the male being larger and more brightly colored than the female
2complain pettily; grumble

Using grouse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "grouse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
We went hunting for grouse in the forest.
Example
He always seems to be grouse about something.
Example
She was grouse about the service at the restaurant.

grouse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for grouse

Antonyms for grouse

Idioms Using grouse

go grouse hunting
to complain or grumble about something
Example
He always goes grouse hunting when he doesn't get his way.
grouse about something
to complain or grumble about something
Example
She was grouse about the traffic on her way to work.
grouse like a bear
to complain or grumble excessively
Example
He's always grouse like a bear when he has to do housework.

Phrases with grouse

black grouse
a large game bird of the grouse family, with black plumage and a lyre-shaped tail in the male
Example
The black grouse is a rare bird in this area.
red grouse
a medium-sized game bird with mainly brown plumage, found on moorland in the British Isles
Example
The red grouse is a popular game bird in Scotland.
spruce grouse
a North American grouse that inhabits coniferous forests, having dark plumage and feathered legs
Example
The spruce grouse is a common sight in the northern forests.

Origins of grouse

from Old French 'gros', meaning 'thick'

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Summary: grouse in Brief

The term 'grouse' [ɡraʊs] refers to a medium to large game bird with a plump body and feathered legs. It is also used as a verb to mean complaining pettily or grumbling. Examples of its use include 'We went hunting for grouse in the forest.' and 'He always seems to be grouse about something.' Phrases like 'go grouse hunting' and 'grouse like a bear' are idiomatic expressions that denote excessive complaining.