1
: stern, harsh
a dour expression on her face
2
: obstinate, unyielding
an insistent hunger for learning and a dour … determination to achieve itWalter Moberly
3
: gloomy, sullen
a dour disposition
dourly adverb
dourness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The plans show defense spending next year would stay largely static, and would be funded with tax hikes amid increasingly dour growth forecasts. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 Upstairs, the primary suite feels more boutique hotel than dour Tudor manor, with dual dressing rooms, a rolltop bath, and even a private yoga studio. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 Still, the overall picture of the labor market remains dour for many Americans, especially the nearly 2 million people who have been searching for jobs for at least half a year. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Back on Capitol Hill, the mood is dour and fatalistic. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dour

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin durus hard — more at during

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dour was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dour. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dour

adjective
: looking or being stern or sullen
dourly adverb
dourness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dour

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