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

San Francisco is known for its colorful Victorians, and few people have shaped that signature look more than Buckter. —Itay Hod, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026

Chalamet, 30, wore a pinstripe suit with a white button-down and colorful tie. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026

During the winter months, your thriving, colorful spring garden can feel miles away. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026

Banks created this look by topping a black polish with colorful, holographic foils. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 5 Jan. 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