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

The bar program is playful, colorful and communal — expect to see a little something for everyone. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Bee Balm Bee balm, also known as monarda, offers more benefits than its colorful summertime blooms, which attract beneficial pollinators. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026

America celebrated her 250th birthday with colorful nationwide celebrations on Saturday. — Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 5 July 2026

The studs add an elevated element that colorful shoes could normally bring to the table, but aren’t always practical for mixing and matching. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 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