film noir

American  

[nwahr] / nwɑr /

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.

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film noir British  

/ nwɑː /

noun

1. a gangster thriller, made esp in the 1940s in Hollywood characterized by contrasty lighting and often somewhat impenetrable plots

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Etymology

Origin of film noir

1955–60; < French: literally, black film

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

film noir

The drama is thought to be an homage to the film noir style - a hallmark in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s, with its shadowy looks and gritty plots.

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

One pays faithful homage to the original film noir titles of the 1940s, while the latter aims to entice audiences who might not be familiar with the monochromatic palette.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026

As his deceit becomes apparent, the music shifts from crisp hip-hop beats to a hard-boiled film noir crescendo.

From BBC ● Mar. 26, 2026

Having named the genre, the French can claim a special connection to that loose collection of cinematic tropes we call film noir.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 21, 2026

Dark film noir compositions alternate with bright sunny street scenes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2025