Usage of Colored
The adjective meanings of colored relating to race were formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century, although attitudes toward them had changed by the 1960s. In most nonhistorical contexts, these uses of colored are now considered unacceptable; the terms Black and African American are preferred. The adjective colored remains in the full name of the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), a civil rights organization founded in the early 20th century. The use of colored in this name is not regarded as offensive. The adjective colored is also occasionally still used in self-reference by Black people, but its use by others is offensive.
Usage of Colored
The noun colored was formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century, although attitudes toward it had changed by the 1960s. In most nonhistorical contexts, this use of colored is now considered unacceptable.
Examples of colored in a Sentence
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
The concerts would open with Stevens popping out of four colored boxes.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
Speaking of glass, the designer is launching colored glass nesting dishes, ring holders, and a signature candle to expand his world.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Tame Impala gets word out with a simple post, which features a spinning, colored vinyl with the album’s tracks flashing up, three at a time.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2025
And there are also plenty of guest bedrooms for hosting family and friends, each with its own neutral-colored palette that works in harmony with the others while still being unique.
—Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Look for ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass—known for its tall, bright green leaves and buff-colored plumes that remain upright through most of the winter.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
And then, inside the museum hangs a mobile by the most famous Calder of all, Alexander Calder, its white disks floating—at once ethereal and pronounced—against the sandy-colored stone columns of the Great Stair Hall.
—Chloe Schama, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
Hummingbirds have various colored feathers, with male birds typically featuring brighter colors.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Colored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colored. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share