murmur

The story

1. Latin · derived frommurmur“murmur, humming, muttering, roaring, growling, rushing etc.”
2. Old French · derived frommurmure
3. Middle English · inherited frommurmur
4. English todaymurmur

From Middle English murmur, murmor, murmour, from Old French murmure (modern French murmure), from Latin murmur (“murmur, humming, muttering, roaring, growling, rushing etc.”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. To grumble; to complain in a low, muttering voice, or express discontent at or against someone or something.
• from 14th c. To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter.
• from 15th c. To say (something) indistinctly, to mutter.