gripe

1 of 2

verb

griped; griping
Synonyms of gripenext

intransitive verb

1
: to complain with grumbling
Students griped about having too much homework.
2
: to experience pinching and spasmodic pain in the bowels

transitive verb

1
a
: irritate, vex
griped by the new regulations
2
: to cause pinching and spasmodic pain in the bowels of
3
archaic : seize, grasp
griper noun

gripe

2 of 2

noun

1
: grievance, complaint
Her main gripe was the lack of advancement opportunities.
2
: a pinching spasmodic intestinal pain
usually used in plural
3
archaic : clutch, grasp
broadly : control, mastery

Examples of gripe in a Sentence

Verb All of the workers were griping about the new regulations. The students griped that they had too much homework. Noun I would rather not listen to gripes about your latest disasters in the dating game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
It’s made clear that the chief antagonist is Philip, who starts off by griping that Madeleine isn’t confining herself to her half of the suite. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 May 2026 The commander in chief, in particular, has griped that NATO countries have refused America the use of bases in the Middle East from which to launch strikes on Iran. Haris Alic, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
Noun
For instance, many partners have small gripes or annoyances with habits that are annoying at worst, but far from an outright red flag — like a partner that chews somewhat loudly, leaves cabinet doors open or hums constantly while working. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 There are gripes and frustrations to be had, even on a good day like Thursday. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gripe

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Old English grīpan; akin to Old High German grīfan to grasp, Lithuanian griebti

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of gripe was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gripe. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

gripe

1 of 2 verb
griped; griping
1
archaic : to seize firmly : grip
2
b
: irritate sense 1, vex
laziness gripes our teacher
3
: to cause or experience spasms of pain in the intestines
4
griper noun

gripe

2 of 2 noun
1
2
3
: a spasm of pain in the intestines

Medical Definition

gripe

1 of 2 verb
griped; griping

transitive verb

: to cause pinching and spasmodic pain in the bowels of

intransitive verb

: to experience gripes

gripe

2 of 2 noun
: a pinching spasmodic intestinal pain
usually used in plural

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