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 Scuderia Ferrari driver’s bold, colorful, and whimsical looks have garnered much attention in the style world and earned him the title of ‘champion of style’ as well. Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025 That colorful language is shared by Chris Goulet, managing partner of Birdsong Brewing. Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2025 Choose a small lined basket, fill with potting soil, and add daffodils, pansies, or other simple, colorful flowers. Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025 While exploring the wreck of USS Yorktown during Dive 06 of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition, researchers imaged this colorful red jellyfish, which may be a new species. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 23 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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