Main Entry: film noir

Pronunciation: \-ˈnwär\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural film noirs \-ˈnwär(z)\ or films noir or films noirs\-ˈnwär\

Etymology: French, literally, black film

Date: 1958

: 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