groaning meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

groaning

adj

US /ˈɡɹoʊnɪŋ/ · UK /ˈɡɹəʊnɪŋ/

Etymology From Middle English gronynge (“groaning”), from Old English grānung; equivalent to groan + -ing. Conflated with Middle English gronende, present participle of gronen, from Old English grāniende, present participle of grānian (“to groan”). Analyzable as groan + -ing.

That groans.

Figuratively Heavily laden, as if to creak under the strain.

We sat down to a groaning table and feasted all evening.

Derived terms: groaningly, ungroaning

groaning

noun

A low sound associated with extended suffering, sorrow, and toil.

From the nearby rail yards came clangings, groanings, chuggings.1997, Helen Papanikolas, A Greek Odyssey in the American West, page 5:

Abbreviation, Ellipsis, Obsolete Ellipsis of groaning time (“childbirth, labour”).

Derived terms: groaning ale, groaning beer, groaning board, groaning bread, groaning cake, groaning cheese, groaning drink, groaning malt, groaning pie