hue

noun

ˈhyü 

1

: overall character or appearance to the mind : complexion, aspect

political parties of every hue

—Louis Wasserman

2

a

: color

all the hues of the rainbow

b

: gradation of color

the hues and shades of twilight

—Colin Clark

c

: the attribute of colors that permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors

red with an orange hue

compare brightness sense 2, lightness sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms

• cast
• color
• shade
• tincture
• tinge
• tint
• tone

Examples of hue in a Sentence

We decorated the room in hues of blue and green.

decorated the room in hues of blue and green

Recent Examples on the Web

Flirty Formal Soft, powdery hues and floral elements add a rush of romance to the classic suit. —Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 12 June 2024

Experts posit that only one Paraiba tourmaline is mined for every 10,000 diamonds — and while similar hues are found in Madagascar, the scarcity of Brazilian stones has seen prices soar. —Sarah Royce-Greensill, CNN, 11 June 2024

Speaking of dresses, this cotton Lucky Brand sundress is calling my name with its flowy skirt and dreamy mauve hue. —Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2024

In addition to the beige hue inspired by Lopez, the set comes in 12 colors like black, emerald green, and pink, and sizes S–XXL. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hewe, from Old English hīw; akin to Old Norse hȳ plant down, Goth hiwi form

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hue

• hue and cry

Kids Definition

hue

noun

ˈhyü 

1

: color sense 1

2

: a particular variety of a color : shade

3

: an aspect of colors that allows them to be identified as red, yellow, green, blue, or something between any two of these colors

Medical Definition

hue

noun

ˈhyü 

: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception that permits them to be classified as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors and that is correlated with the wavelength or the combination of wavelengths comprising the stimulus compare brightness, saturation sense 4a

Geographical Definition

Hue

geographical name

ˈ(h)wā 

hü-ˈā,

hyü-ˈā

variants or French Hué

city and port in central Vietnam; formerly capital of Annam population 302,983