boring

1 of 2

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

boring

2 of 2

present participle of bore entry 1, bore entry 6

Synonyms of boring

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Adjective

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Examples of boring in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
For the record, Duffy has strongly disclaimed any interest in the White House, which is, after all, just a bunch of boring grownups talking. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 If O’Donnell’s tenure on Kimmel was a welcome hug of nostalgia, then this White House statement is a boring retread of the administration’s linguistic greatest hits. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 The boring rosters, the passive-aggressive press conferences, the endless parade of mediocre seasons — cresting and falling with an inexplicable 2021 and 2026 — has been brutal to watch. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 The real world is always more boring than sci-fi, but solving this part of the puzzle will still be fascinating and not easy. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boring

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of bore entry 6

First Known Use

Adjective

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 30 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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