stomach growling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stomach growling" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the sound of an empty stomach growling, usually from hunger. Example: She was so hungry that she could hear her stomach growling.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I worried they could hear my stomach growling as they stood over shots.

The New York Times - Sports

Your scheduled lunch break at work or your usual family dinnertime can reliably set your stomach growling.

The New Yorker

JOANNA KAKISSIS Tuscany A Feast of Festivals Ask a Tuscan which is the best season to visit and you'll likely hear a stomach growling.

The New York Times

As the meat grilled, the orange, garlic and beef juices caramelized, filling the summer night with a sweet, meaty scent that triggered the familiar stomach growling.

The New York Times

And he finds his stomach growling inside a clay jar, where it would have been stored separately after it was removed.

The New York Times

At least once a month I come home late from work, my stomach growling from a too-early lunch and no afternoon snack, to find a white paper bag hanging on my doorknob.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

My stomach growled.

The New Yorker

His stomach growled.

The New York Times - Books

My stomach growled with eagerness.

The New Yorker

Charlie's tense stomach growls like a Rottweiler.

The New York Times

In slow motion, chip moved towards mouth and stomach growled approval.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stomach growling" to vividly describe the sound of hunger, particularly in narrative or descriptive writing. This can add a touch of realism or humor to the text.

Common error

Avoid using "stomach growling" in highly formal or professional documents. While acceptable in general writing, it may sound too informal or even slightly comical in a business report or academic paper. Opt for phrases like "experiencing hunger" or "needing sustenance" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stomach growling" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a bodily sound. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it depicting hunger or digestive processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

HuffPost

8%

Less common in

The New Yorker

8%

Science

4%

Vice

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stomach growling" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the sound of hunger or digestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general use, though perhaps less appropriate in strictly formal settings. Found frequently in news and media, as well as general writing, "stomach growling" effectively conveys a physical sensation and can add a touch of realism to narratives. Related phrases include "stomach rumbling" and "hunger pangs", offering alternative ways to express a similar meaning with slight variations in tone or intensity. To use this in writing, remember that it is an effective phrase in narrative or descriptive writing and that is better to avoid it in formal or professional documents, as it can be consider too informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stomach rumbling

Refers to the same sound and sensation in the stomach, indicating hunger or digestion.

belly rumbling

Uses a more informal term, "belly", to describe the sound of digestion or hunger.

tummy rumbling

Employs the diminutive "tummy", suggesting a less formal and possibly childish context.

hunger pangs

Focuses on the sensation of hunger rather than the sound, indicating a strong desire for food.

feeling peckish

Indicates a slight hunger, less intense than "stomach growling".

having the munchies

Describes a craving for snacks, often unrelated to genuine hunger.

experiencing hunger

Directly states the state of being hungry, avoiding any specific sounds or sensations.

needing sustenance

Focuses on the need for nourishment in a more formal and abstract way.

a ravenous appetite

Highlights the intensity of the hunger, suggesting a very strong need to eat.

empty stomach

Indicates the physiological state causing hunger, rather than the resulting sound.

FAQs

How can I describe the sound of an empty stomach?

The common phrase is "stomach growling". You could also say "stomach rumbling" or, more informally, "belly rumbling".

What does it mean when someone says their stomach is growling?

It usually means they are hungry and their digestive system is active. Sometimes, it simply indicates that digestion is occurring, even if they don't feel hungry.

Is "stomach growling" a formal or informal expression?

It's generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for most everyday conversation and writing. However, more formal alternatives like "experiencing hunger" might be preferable in professional contexts.

What are some other ways to say I'm hungry besides saying my "stomach is growling"?

Alternatives include: "I'm feeling "peckish"", "I have "hunger pangs"", or simply, "I'm hungry".