adj

dreary

DREER-ree

Dreary (adj) means Dull, gloomy, and depressing. Example: “It was a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon.”

adj

Dull, gloomy, and depressing.

"It was a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon."

"The office had a dreary grey carpet and no windows."

How to use dreary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGloomy, drab, and lacking any cheer — often used for weather or dull surroundings.

Common pairings

a dreary day dreary weather dreary routine

Word forms

drearier comparative, more dreary comparative, drearies plural, dreariest superlative, most dreary superlative

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It was a _____, rain-soaked afternoon.

Etymology

From Old English drēoriġ, "sad" or "bloody," from a root meaning "to break or crumble" — related to the idea of being worn down by grief.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for dreary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

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Frequently asked questions

What does “dreary” mean?

The word “dreary” means dull, gloomy, and depressing. In plain terms, gloomy, drab, and lacking any cheer — often used for weather or dull surroundings.

How do you pronounce “dreary”?

“Dreary” is pronounced DREER-ree (/ˈdɹɪɚi/ in IPA).

How do you use “dreary” in a sentence?

Here is “dreary” used in a sentence: “It was a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon.”

What part of speech is “dreary”?

“Dreary” is an adjective.

Where does the word “dreary” come from?

The word “dreary” comes from Old English. From Old English drēoriġ, "sad" or "bloody," from a root meaning "to break or crumble" — related to the idea of being worn down by grief.