First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1gloom
verb \ˈglüm\
Definition of GLOOM
intransitive verb
1
: to look, feel, or act sullen or despondent
2
: to be or become overcast
3
: to loom up dimly
transitive verb
: to make dark, murky, or somber : make gloomy
See gloom defined for kids
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Origin of GLOOM
Middle English gloumen
2gloom
noun
: partial or total darkness
: a feeling of sadness
Full Definition of GLOOM
1
a : partial or total darkness b : a dark or shadowy place
2
a : lowness of spirits : dejection b : an atmosphere of despondency <a gloom fell over the household>
See gloom defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GLOOM
1629
Related to GLOOM
- Synonyms
- blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despond, despondence, despondency, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, doldrums, dolefulness, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, sadness, gloominess, glumness, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, miserableness, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sorrowfulness, unhappiness
- Antonyms
- bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, felicity, gladness, gladsomeness, happiness, heaven, intoxication, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness
GLOOM Defined for Kids
gloom
noun \ˈglüm\
Definition of GLOOM for Kids
1
: partial or complete darkness
2
: a sad mood
Learn More About GLOOM
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