Usage of Colored
The adjective meanings of colored relating to race were formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century, although attitudes toward them had changed by the 1960s. In most nonhistorical contexts, these uses of colored are now considered unacceptable; the terms Black and African American are preferred. The adjective colored remains in the full name of the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), a civil rights organization founded in the early 20th century. The use of colored in this name is not regarded as offensive. The adjective colored is also occasionally still used in self-reference by Black people, but its use by others is offensive.
Usage of Colored
The noun colored was formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century, although attitudes toward it had changed by the 1960s. In most nonhistorical contexts, this use of colored is now considered unacceptable.
Examples of colored in a Sentence
Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025
In short, Foundational Neutrals can elevate your style and keep you on top of color trends without having to throw away all of your neutral-colored furniture.
—Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, parts of her red-colored hair fell to the sides as if the style had come undone on the way to the premiere.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2025
His next look consisted of a brown jacket with a light-colored dress shirt underneath.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
The dog, believed to be a poodle, sits calmly on the floor, tail wagging with excitement as a pair of hands secures her ears using a pastel-colored scrunchie.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Striped High-neck Tank Belly’s always loved a striped shirt, typically opting for a multi-colored tank top or sweater paired with her signature denim shorts.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
Urine can become dark yellow or tea-colored due to elevated bilirubin levels.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
Surveillance video showed the suspect wearing a gray T-shirt, dark pants, gray and white shoes, and a dark colored satchel around his torso, according to the federal complaint.
—Alex Stone, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Colored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colored. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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