boredom

noun

bore·​dom ˈbȯr-dəm How to pronounce boredom (audio)
Synonyms of boredom
: the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest
the boredom of a long car trip

Synonyms of boredom

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Examples of boredom in a Sentence

On days when few customers came to shop, Bob felt overwhelmed by boredom. the boredom of a long car trip
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.
There is no time for those who listen only to their boredom. — Joyce Mansour, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Staving off boredom and keeping insanity at bay can lead to questionable decisions. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Singh also emphasizes the importance of in-person social engagement as well as the value of boredom. — Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 4 July 2026 Squandered assets and unexpected free-agent departures turned it into a source of frustration and boredom for fans, who watched labored breakouts, poor puck management and ugly games pile up. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for boredom

Word History

Etymology

bore entry 5 + -dom

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boredom was in 1853

Rhymes for boredom

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Browse Nearby Words

bored
boredom
boree
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Cite this Entry

“Boredom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boredom. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boredom

noun
bore·​dom ˈbō(ə)rd-əm How to pronounce boredom (audio)
ˈbȯ(ə)rd-
: the state of being bored

More from Merriam-Webster on boredom

Nglish: Translation of boredom for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boredom

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