dour

adjective

ˈdau̇(-ə)r  ˈdu̇r 

1

: stern, harsh

a dour expression on her face

2

: obstinate, unyielding

… an insistent hunger for learning and a dour … determination to achieve it.

—Walter Moberly

3

: gloomy, sullen

a dour disposition

dourly adverb

dourness noun

Synonyms of dour

• gruff
• grim
• stern
• intimidating
• fierce
• rugged
• bleak
• hostile

Examples of dour in a Sentence

She had a dour expression on her face.

the dour mood of the crowd

Recent Examples on the Web

After the most joyful and fun performance of several seasons comes the dour Nini. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

Gummer plays her as dour, stiff and rigid. —Lisa Depaulo, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

This made the dour tone of the Wall Street Journal profile of the studio’s chief, Pete Docter, which was published this past Friday and got widely shared on social media, feel slightly surreal. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2026

Porsche had a dour 2025, reporting a staggering 93% decline in operating profit. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin durus hard — more at during

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dour

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• sunflower
• wallflower
• watchtower

Kids Definition

dour

adjective

ˈdu̇(ə)r  ˈdau̇(ə)r 

: looking or being stern or sullen

dourly adverb

dourness noun