Main Entry:

som·ber

Variant(s):

or som·bre \ˈsäm-bər\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

French sombre

Date:

1760

1: so shaded as to be dark and gloomy2 a: of a serious mien : grave <somber dignitaries> b: of a dismal or depressing character : melancholy c: conveying gloomy suggestions or ideas3: of a dull or heavy cast or shade : dark colored

— som·ber·ly adverb

— som·ber·ness noun