boring

adjective

bor·​ing ˈbȯr-iŋ How to pronounce boring (audio)
Synonyms of boring
: causing weariness and restlessness through lack of interest : causing boredom : tiresome
a boring lecture
boringly
ˈbȯr-iŋ-lē How to pronounce boring (audio)
adverb
boringness noun

Synonyms of boring

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Examples of boring in a Sentence

I find her books totally boring. I wish this book weren't so boring; I keep falling asleep whenever I try to read it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bringing those back as a third, as a nod to the Lightning’s first championship, would be a huge win and replace their most boring alternate yet. — The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Christian flat out tells Bryan to do anything else because the gown is so boring, but Bryan could not be more disinterested in his advice. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026 Yes, some may consider this part boring, since an average user won’t really look under the hood to understand all the hard work, but this investment really shows its worth in the long run. — Arthur Azizov, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The consistency of this patter is remarkable; to be able to just keep talking, no matter how boring the topic or useless the product, can be downright impressive to watch. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for boring

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of bore entry 6

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boring was in 1785

Phrases Containing boring

Rhymes for boring

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Browse Nearby Words

borine
boring
boring bar
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Cite this Entry

“Boring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boring. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boring

adjective
bor·​ing ˈbō(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce boring (audio)
ˈbȯ(ə)r-
: causing boredom : uninteresting, tedious
boringly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce boring (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on boring

Nglish: Translation of boring for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boring

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