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.
Frances Perkins was, by temperament, cool and aloof, even a bit boring. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026 Chicken dishes often get a bad rap—for being boring or dry or just not all that exciting. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 But sculptural barrel jeans remix this off-duty ensemble—and keep it from getting too boring. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 29 June 2026 Monocultures can be boring, but on the flipside, a huge collection of individual species looks like a busy bowl of potpourri. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 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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