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film noir

[ nwahr ]

noun

  1. a motion picture with an often grim urban setting, photographed in somber tones and permeated by a feeling of disillusionment, pessimism, and despair.


film noir

/ nwɑː /

noun

  1. a gangster thriller, made esp in the 1940s in Hollywood characterized by contrasty lighting and often somewhat impenetrable plots
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of film noir1

1955–60; < French: literally, black film
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Word History and Origins

Origin of film noir1

C20: French, literally: black film
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Example Sentences

Whether sleek or jagged, classic film noirs boast a sharp-edged ferocity and despair, as if the world—and the lives of its tiny inhabitants—were perched on the edge of a lethal blade.

The accompanying video has a film noir look that complements the slinky sound.

I grew up a big fan of film noir, but what drew you to the Sin City universe?

But L.A. Confidential was important for temporarily resuscitating film noir.

All the women in this video play up subtle sexiness between colored neon, film noir lighting, and sexy silhouettes.

Mr. Wright attributes this film-noir fantasy to Garry Scarff, who was never a Scientologist.

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