coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ 

1

a

: the act of applying colors

b

: something that produces color or color effects

c(1)

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

(2)

: natural color

(3)

: complexion, coloration

d

: change of appearance (as by adding color)

2

: influence, bias

3

: color sense 8

4

: timbre, quality

Synonyms

• color
• colorant
• dye
• dyestuff
• pigment
• stain

Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring.

Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring.

She added some blue food coloring to the icing.

This scarf will look great with your coloring.

He has very light coloring.

Recent Examples on the Web

The gecko’s coloring seems to blend in with the surrounding rocks, another photo shows. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024

There's not a drop of food coloring in this pretty pink dessert. —Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 30 May 2024

Coloring Activity Book Any older sibling will love preparing for the birth of a new baby with this fun coloring and activity book. —Laura Denby, Parents, 28 May 2024

The wild, all-white moose spotted trotting through Canada is not the first creature to be noticed for its unexpected coloring. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coloring

• coloring book

Kids Definition

coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the act of applying colors

2

: something that produces color

food coloring

3

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

4

: complexion sense 1, coloration

5

: change of appearance (as by adding color)