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
Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The shooter fled the scene, possibly in a light-colored sedan, according to police.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
Add a chair, a plant, a mirror, and a neutral-colored area rug to pull the look together.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
All visitors are struck by the long colored ribbon extending over a hundred yards throughout the store, drawing them inside to experience all its shimmering hues.
—Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
The collection features 13 pieces including versatile, classic knits, easy layering pieces like a soft-shoulder cashmere blazer and a field jacket, plus a selection of whimsical-but-practical accessories such as ties and brightly colored socks.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Additionally, customers can also snag a multi-colored tote with a black bag, purple bottom, lime green handles and orange writing.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
In 1947, the company started selling these many colored chocolates to the masses—and the rest is history.
—Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
Photos shared online of the sandy-colored dog have garnered more than 520 upvotes, with users admiring his regal yet quirky appearance.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Colored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colored. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share