colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl 

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

ˈkə-lər-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

ˈkə-lər-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• colored
• varied
• rainbow
• vibrant
• various

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit.

He gave a colorful account of his travels.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s made of mold- and mildew-resistant acacia wood and comes with plush, colorful cushions that are comfortable and supportive. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

Tucked away in a couple of buildings in Old Town are rows upon rows of colorful artwork, which is not especially unusual for the state historic park. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

If your favorite part of autumn is the rich, colorful leaves, this wreath is an easy yes. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

Anderson made a convincing argument for florals in the fall with her long white off-the-shoulder dress from Magnolia Pearl, which was covered in colorful appliqué flowers. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

color entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing colorful

• colorful character

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl 

1

: having noticeable colors

2

: full of variety or interest

a colorful personality

colorfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun