Usage of Colored
The adjective meanings of colored relating to race were formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century. Attitudes toward them had changed, however, by the 1960s. Although colored is still occasionally used in self-reference by and between Black people, the adjective as used by others is offensive; the terms Black and African American are preferred. Colored remains in the full name of the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), a civil rights organization founded in the early 20th century.
Usage of Colored
The noun colored was formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century, although attitudes toward it had changed by the 1960s. In most nonhistorical contexts, this use of colored is now considered unacceptable.
Examples of colored in a Sentence
Jon Vanzile, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
On the runway, the ensemble—which consisted of a cream-colored ruffled halter top and silk ball skirt—was shown with fabric connecting the top and the skirt, but Jenner opted to bare her stomach in between, making the skirt ultra low-rise.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Moss-colored chaise longues in the living area, piled with pillows and wool blankets, are perfectly positioned to take in the view, as are the four-poster beds with wool-blend mattresses and willowy gauzy curtains.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Black colored residue was found inside the ice machine.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
january 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
In franchise history, the Patriots are 4-2 in the Super Bowl while wearing white uniforms, compared with 2-3 when wearing colored jerseys.
—Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Her eyes were embellished with pumpkin-colored shadow on her lids, shimmering white shadow in her inner corners and sky-high lashes that tickled the bottoms of her brows, while her lips were lined in a dark taupe hue and filled with clear gloss.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
Why do some colored sections feel more balanced than others?
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
There are more than 800 different varieties of camellias throughout the park, ranging from white to deep red solid flowers to multi-colored petals with spots and speckles.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Colored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colored. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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