a grunt

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableslangmilitary

   A low-ranking soldier, especially in the U.S. military, who does basic or unskilled work.

   Grammar: Often used with 'a' or in the plural: 'the grunts'.

   Patterns

   • a grunt in the army
   • the grunts

   He was just a grunt in the army, doing the hardest jobs.

   The grunts did the dirty work while the officers gave orders.

   After two years as a grunt, he was promoted to sergeant.

2. 2nouncountable

   A short, low sound that a pig makes, or a similar sound a person makes.

   Grammar: Can be used for animals or people.

   Patterns

   • give a grunt
   • a grunt of pain

   The pig gave a loud grunt when it was fed.

   He answered with a grunt and went back to sleep.

Word forms

Common combinations

a grunt in the army

He started as a grunt in the army before becoming an officer.

the grunts

The grunts were sent to the front line first.

give a grunt

She gave a grunt of agreement and left.

Synonyms and how they differ

private

A specific military rank; 'grunt' is informal and not an official rank.

soldier

A general word for a member of an army; 'grunt' emphasizes low rank and hard work.

Word family

grunt verb

To make a short, low sound.

Practice

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Write a sentence using “a grunt”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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