ˈmelənkəli ˈmɛl.ənˌkɑl.i ˈsəʊ.bə(ɹ) ˈsɑmbɚ ˈsɒmbə ˈsɒmbə ˈsɑmbɚ grave or even gloomy in character a suit of somber black a somber mood lacking brightness or color; dull drab faded curtains sober Puritan grey children in somber brown clothes