film noir

noun

plural film noirs -ˈnwär(z) How to pronounce film noir (audio) or films noir or films noirs -ˈnwär How to pronounce film noir (audio)
: 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
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.
The resulting design is a new riff on the character that lines up with the show’s ’40s aesthetic — the whole cast, Two-Face included, looks straight out of a pulpy film noir — and reflects the physical and mental scars on the character. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 The automotive manifestation of both the Art Deco movement and film noir, the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic is arguably the most visually stunning car in the world, as well as the most coveted. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024 The heist plot allows for the action, adventure and suspense to come into play, as well as the aforementioned Tom Cruise references, along with nods to film noir and early silent films (there are a lot of sequences set on trains). Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024 Billed under her stage name, Kathryn Grant, the Houston native made five features for famed film noir director Phil Karlson, including Tight Spot (1955), The Phenix City Story (1955) and The Brothers Rico (1957). Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for film noir 

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, black film

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of film noir was in 1930

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 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on film noir

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!