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