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 of colorful

• 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

Lean into the season’s love of colorful accessories with a cherry-red headband. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026

Decked out in rainbow colors, Kotb embraced Hope and Haley Joy, who popped in their own colorful costumes. — Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Browse pre-loved pieces at Vintage Corner, or find colorful handmade leather goods at Kundura. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

Pair it with colorful art, rugs, and wall paint for an eclectic feel. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026

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