watercolor

noun

wa·​ter·​col·​or ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkə-lər 

ˈwä-

1

: a paint of which the liquid is a water dispersion of the binding material (such as glue, casein, or gum)

2

: the art or method of painting with watercolors

3

: a picture or design executed in watercolors

watercolor adjective

watercolorist

ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkə-lə-rist 

ˈwä-

noun

Examples of watercolor in a Sentence

a landscape done in watercolor

He only works in watercolors.

We bought a watercolor of the shore.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cupboards overflowed with cloth, ribbons, threads, paints, dyes, and watercolors. —Literary Hub, 8 May 2026

Think pottery classes, watercolor lessons, baking, gardening, book clubs, Pilates, surf lessons and dance classes like hip hop. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

Lively leaned into the moment with a look designed to turn heads — an archival 2006 Atelier Versace gown in soft watercolor tones. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026

The ensemble's combination of bright and dark hues, resembling a swirl of watercolors, gave the look dimension, while the dress's flowy hem added an ethereal touch. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watercolor

• multicolor
• technicolor
• unicolor
• versicolor
• bicolor
• concolor
• discolor
• tricolor
• color
• colour
• culler
• duller

Kids Definition

watercolor

noun

wa·​ter·​col·​or ˈwȯt-ər-ˌkəl-ər 

ˈwät-

1

: a paint whose liquid part is water

2

: a picture painted with watercolor

3

: the art of painting with watercolor

watercolorist

-ˌkəl-ə-rəst 

noun