mumble

Definition

To speak unintelligibly or inaudibly; to fail to articulate.

Etymology

From Middle English momelen, a frequentative of mum (sense 3) (“silent”). Compare German mümmeln, Middle Dutch mommelen and Dutch mompelen. Perhaps related to Norwegian Nynorsk mumpa (“to gum, to chew without teeth”).

Example Sentences

• "Please try not to mumble so I can hear you better."
• "Peace, you mumbling fool."
• "A wrinkled hag, with age grown double, / Picking dry sticks, and mumbling to herself."