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

Moms of little kids already know Hanna Andersson—the name behind those iconic, colorful, soft-as-hell PJs (and cute outfits to boot). —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Apr. 2026

Local media reported gunfire as some Haitians forced the drivers of small colorful buses known as tap-taps to get their passengers to disembark. —Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026

This flat trail follows an old railroad grade, winding along the river, perfect for a leisurely hike or bike ride while taking in a diverse assortment of colorful wildflowers and spring ephemerals. —Jordan Charbonneau, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026

Local media reported gunfire as some Haitians forced the drivers of small colorful buses known as tap-taps to disembark their passengers. —Evens Sanon, Fortune, 12 Apr. 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