- a variation of somber.
sombre
Britishadjective
-
dismal; melancholy
a sombre mood
-
dim, gloomy, or shadowy
-
(of colour, clothes, etc) sober, dull, or dark
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sombre
C18: from French, from Vulgar Latin subumbrāre (unattested) to shade, from Latin sub beneath + umbra shade
Explanation
When you're sombre — or somber — you're acting glum, depressed, or sad. Being sombre is the opposite of being perky or happy. This is a word that has to do with the mood of a person or event. A funeral is going to be sombre, and the people at the funeral are usually pretty sombre, too. It's a quiet, serious, and even gloomy kind of feeling. Objects can look sombre if they're dull and colorless. Just don't get sombre and confused by the spelling: the "re" ending is a British thing, while Americans usually end it with "er."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Underneath her pragmatism and sombre suits lie some surprises.
From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026
The sombre, respectful tone from 2024 has become more embittered.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
The mood in Trafalgar Square was sombre, with an underlying anger.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
King Charles III and Queen Camilla laid flowers at the September 11 Memorial in New York, in a sombre moment during their state visit to the United States.
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
This time round it wasn’t awkward or embarrassing any more; just sombre and serious.
From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
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