Search Dictionary
Definition of dour

dour

/dʊər/
dour
Adverb:dourly
JUMP TO:

dour Lexical Profile

dour Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance.

Example

"The headmaster's dour expression immediately silenced the noisy hallway."

2

Scottish Stubborn, unyielding, or barren and hard to cultivate (of land or weather).

Example

"The farmers struggled for generations to coax a living from the dour, rocky soil of the highlands."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dour
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dour

• Rhymes for dour

• Nearby Words

doughy
douglas fir
doula
dour
dourly
douro
douse

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in Middle English (primarily in Scots), 'dour' is borrowed from Latin 'durus', meaning 'hard' or 'stubborn', or via Scottish Gaelic 'dùr' of the same ultimate root.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dour. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dour
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.