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
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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 

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 23 Dec. 2024.

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