Groan

[Jignesh77]

Julius groaned. "OK, Jason. You win. We will get a big sticky bun on the way home
I read the above in " The Big Sticky Bun"
What does "groaned" exact mean?
Dictionaries show multiple definitions and I can't decide which one fits here?

 

[PaulQ]

Which definition do you think fits best?

 

[Jignesh77]

Groan - Definition for English-Language Learners from Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
I am confused between 1 a and 1 b.

 

[PaulQ]

1.b [+ object] : to say (something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness)

• “Oh, no,” she groaned, “I'm going to have to start all over.”
• She groaned that she would have to start all over.
  

 

[grassy]

The period instead of a comma makes me more inclined towards 1a: Julius groaned and then said those words.

 

[Jignesh77]

Thanks. I found both definitions fit the context.