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
In reality, buyers actively seek out exactly that profile, because boring and predictable is far easier to underwrite than exciting and volatile. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 With merchandise that was boring consumers, discounting became the primary way to spur sales. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 The goal is to create a hybrid force, with humans doing the high-level executive and highly-skilled jobs while the drones take on the boring tasks and go into high-risk areas. — David Szondy august 27, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026 Kkxiu Vegan Leather Tote Bag Who said vegan has to be boring? — Neha Tandon, InStyle, 28 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

See All Rhymes for boring

Browse Nearby Words

borine
boring
boring bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boring. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

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