VocabDictionary

gruel

/ˈɡruːəl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A light, thin, cooked cereal made by boiling oats, wheat, or rice in water or milk.

Example Sentences:
  • The orphans were given a meager bowl of watery gruel for breakfast.
  • When he was recovering from the flu, the doctor recommended eating plain gruel until his stomach settled.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “gruel”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English: from Old French gruel, from medieval Latin grudellum, diminutive of medieval Latin grutum 'meal, bruised grain', of Germanic origin (related to grout).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'cruel' school food: watery, tasteless gruel.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “gruel

1. What is the meaning of “gruel” in English?

In English, gruel (noun) is defined as: “A light, thin, cooked cereal made by boiling oats, wheat, or rice in water or milk.”.

2. How do you use “gruel” in a sentence?

The orphans were given a meager bowl of watery gruel for breakfast.

3. What are English synonyms of “gruel”?

Common synonyms include:porridge,mash,pottage,soup

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “gruel”?

Middle English: from Old French gruel, from medieval Latin grudellum, diminutive of medieval Latin grutum 'meal, bruised grain', of Germanic origin (related to grout).