I. ˈdri(ə)r, -iə noun
( -s )
Etymology: back-formation from dreary
archaic : dreariness
II. adjective
Etymology: short for dreary
1. : cheerless and depressing : uninteresting and dull : dreary
though the setting is drear and circumstances oppressive, this is not a degrading story — E.A.Weeks
a barren and drear existence
2. : sad
I had taken a hot whisky punch to the master, poor creature, he seemed so lone and drear — James Reynolds
• drear·ly adverb
• drear·ness noun -es