Murmur, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Murmured; p. pr. & vb. n. Murmuring.]
Etymology: [F. murmurer, L. murmurare, murmurari, fr. murmur murmur; cf. Gr.marmara a rustling sound; prob. of imitative origin.]
1. To make a low continued noise, like the hum of bees, a stream of water, distant waves, or the wind in a forest. They murmured as doth a swarm of bees. Chaucer.
2. To utter complaints in a low, half-articulated voice; to feel or express dissatisfaction or discontent; to grumble; -- often with at or against. "His disciples murmured at it." John vi. 61. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron. Num. xiv. 2. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured. 1 Cor. x. 10.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Murmur, n.
1. A low, confused, and indistinct sound, like that of running water.
2. A complaint half suppressed, or uttered in a low, muttering voice. Chaucer. Some discontents there are, some idle murmurs. Dryden.
Murmur, v. t.
To utter or give forth in low or indistinct words or sounds; as, to murmur tales. Shak. The people murmured such things concerning him. John vii. 32.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for murmur; he lists it under babble, complain.
Where he writes about it:
To murmur is to utter suppressed or even inarticulate sounds, suggesting the notes of a dove, or the sound of a running stream, and is used figuratively of the half suppressed utterances of affection or pity, or of complaint, resentment, etc. — from babble
One complains of a real or assumed grievance; he may murmur through mere peevishness or ill temper; he repines, with vain distress, at the irrevocable or the inevitable. — from complain