mum·ble / ˈməmbəl/ • v. 1. say something indistinctly and quietly, making it difficult for others to hear: [tr.] he mumbled something she didn't catch | [with direct speech] “Sorry,” she mumbled. 2. [tr.] bite or chew with toothless gums or eat without making much use of the teeth.• n. [usu. in sing.] a quiet and indistinct utterance: Rosie had replied in a mumble.DERIVATIVES: mum·bler / ˈməmb(ə)lər/ n.mum·bling·ly / ˈməmb(ə)linglē/ adv.

mumble eat as with toothless gums; speak indistinctly. XIV. ME. momele, frequent. formation on MUM1; see -LE3; cf. LG. mummelen, Du. mommelen, mummelen, G. mummeln, Sw. mumla, Da. mumle, and ME. mamele mutter, chatter (corr. formally to OHG. mammalōn stammer).