I. adjective
or som·bre ˈsämbə(r) sometimes ˈsȯm-
Etymology: French sombre
1. : so shaded or full of shadows as to be dark and gloomy : lacking light or brightness : characterized by gloom or shadow : depressingly dark, dusky, or obscure
narrow, somber streets — American Guide Series: Virginia
the bell-chamber was somber and almost menacing — Dorothy Sayers
2.
a.
(1) : gloomy, sullen, melancholy, or dejected in appearance or mood
the city made him somber and restless — John Cheever
(2) : of a serious mien : grave
somber … merchant dignitaries — J.H.Randall
b. : of a melancholy, dismal, or depressing character
somber thoughts
a somber mood
3. : conveying gloomy suggestions or ideas : depressing , grave , melancholy
took on a more somber and threatening aspect — Emporia (Kans.) Gazette
know the truth, somber though it may be — Sir Winston Churchill
4.
a. of color or a color : of a dull or heavy cast or shade
somber tone
a more somber hue
house … painted a somber Puritan color — A.W.Long
b. : having or characterized by such a color : dark colored
the somber leaves of the copper beech — American Guide Series: New Jersey
Synonyms: see serious
II. verb
or sombre “
( sombered or sombred ; sombered or sombred ; sombering or sombring -b(ə)riŋ ; sombers or sombres )
transitive verb
: to make somber
intransitive verb
: to become or grow somber
III. noun
or sombre “
( -s )
: gloom