: a type of crime film featuring cynical malevolent characters in a sleazy setting and an ominous atmosphere that is conveyed by shadowy photography and foreboding background music
also
: a film of this type
Examples of film noir in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her eclectic compositions—one of which features a very modern dose of Auto-Tune—evoke film noir, trip-hop, and Lovers Deluxe-era Sade.
—
Stephen Kearse, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024
The video captivates with a vintage flair reminiscent of 1940s film noir dipped in warm sepia tones.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024
In the best traditions of film noir, the initial offer which will help the protagonist out of a tough spot seems too good to be true.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 1 Oct. 2024
The art of the exchange — be it through characters sharing double entendres or entire theaters getting caught up in call-and-response — is characteristic of film noir, midnight movies, and, yes, sing-a-longs.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for film noir 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stephen Kearse, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024
The video captivates with a vintage flair reminiscent of 1940s film noir dipped in warm sepia tones.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024
In the best traditions of film noir, the initial offer which will help the protagonist out of a tough spot seems too good to be true.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 1 Oct. 2024
The art of the exchange — be it through characters sharing double entendres or entire theaters getting caught up in call-and-response — is characteristic of film noir, midnight movies, and, yes, sing-a-longs.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for film noir
Dictionary Entries Near film noir
Cite this Entry
“Film noir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/film%20noir. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share