colorist

1 of 2

noun

col·​or·​ist ˈkə-lə-rist How to pronounce colorist (audio)
-lər-ist
plural colorists
: one that colors or deals with color

colorist

2 of 2

adjective

: prejudiced against people with dark skin
specifically : showing favor to light-skinned people over those with darker skin within a racial or ethnic group
The idea that lighter skin provides children less social stigma and more career opportunities, romantic partners, and an overall "easier life" fuels colorist narratives. Kelly Wairimu Davis

Examples of colorist in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Throughout his career, Vō was revered for his talents as a colorist, collaborating with some of the most celebrated blondes in the business, from Paltrow to Britney Spears, Katherine Heigl and beyond. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026 Kim Vō, the celebrity hair colorist behind the blond tresses of stars such as Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Pamela Anderson and Goldie Hawn, has died. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
After decades of neglect, many Victorians found new life during the colorist movement of the 1960s. Itay Hod, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026 For those seeking extra sparkle and dimension, take a look at Ariana Grande’s recent brunette transformation by colorist Francesco di Chiari. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for colorist

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French coloriste, from Latin color color entry 1 + French -iste -ist entry 1

Adjective

color entry 1 + -ist entry 2 (after racist entry 1, sexist, etc.)

First Known Use

Noun

1685, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colorist was in 1685

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Cite this Entry

“Colorist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorist. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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