English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

noir

NWAH
adj
1
Relating to film noir or its dark, morally ambiguous atmosphere.
"The film has a distinctly noir feel, full of shadows and moral grey areas."
noun
1
Short for film noir, a genre of crime films marked by cynicism, shadowy visuals, and morally conflicted characters.
"She's a huge fan of classic noir from the 1940s."

How to Use Noir

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRefers to the dark, cynical style of crime films known as film noir.

Common pairings
film noir noir thriller noir aesthetic

Word Forms

more noir comparative, noirs plural, most noir superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “noir” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film has a distinctly _____ feel, full of shadows and moral grey areas.

Etymology

Shortened from the French phrase film noir ("black film"), also related to the English word "negro."

Rhymes for noir

See all rhymes for noir →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial