coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ 

1

a

: the act of applying colors

b

: something that produces color or color effects

c(1)

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

(2)

: natural color

(3)

: complexion, coloration

d

: change of appearance (as by adding color)

2

: influence, bias

3

: color sense 8

4

: timbre, quality

Synonyms of coloring

• pigment
• dye
• color
• colorant
• stain

Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring.

Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring.

She added some blue food coloring to the icing.

This scarf will look great with your coloring.

He has very light coloring.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its coloring is pale brown with slightly darker bands — the markings that distinguish it from its closest relative and give it its common name. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

The greatest eclipse marks the midpoint of totality, when the Moon sits deepest within the umbra — often producing the most vivid coloring and the moment most worth capturing. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026

The mammals weigh up to 22 pounds and have deep red and cream coloring, and thick fur that insulates them against damp weather, the zoo says. —Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

Here, her natural, chocolate brown coloring was contrasted by the vibrant, cherry red hue on her ends. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coloring

• coloring book

Kids Definition

coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the act of applying colors

2

: something that produces color

food coloring

3

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

4

: complexion sense 1, coloration

5

: change of appearance (as by adding color)