colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
1
: having striking colors
colorful scenery
2
a
: full of variety or interest
a colorful description
b
of speech : rude, offensive
… he had begun to gamble and use colorful language …Yohannes Edemariam
colorfully adverb
colorfulness noun

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit. He gave a colorful account of his travels.
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.
The stark finish provided contrast and a grounding touch to the light wood and colorful cabinetry that's been popular. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025 Key Points Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia features colorful, 150-foot gullies. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025 Elsewhere, contemporary works hang in hallways and on bedroom walls, providing unexpected colorful encounters on one’s journey through the house. Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2025 Center the table around a cornucopia of your colorful, inspirational harvest. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for colorful

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of colorful was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorful. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective
col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
1
: having noticeable colors
2
: full of variety or interest
a colorful personality
colorfully adverb
colorfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on colorful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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