grunt

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 [V] (of animals, especially pigs) to make a short low sound in the throat 2 (of people) to make a short low sound in your throat, especially to show that you are in pain, annoyed or not interested; to say sth using this sound: [V] He pulled harder on the rope, grunting with the effort. * When I told her what had happened she just grunted and turned back to her book. * [VN] He grunted something about being late and rushed out. [also Vspeech] noun 1 a short, low sound made by a person or an animal (especially a pig): to give a grunt of effort / pain 2 (AmE, slang) a worker who does boring tasks for low pay 3 (AmE, slang) a soldier of low rank