black-and-white

1 of 3

adjective

ˌbla-kən-ˈ(h)wīt 

1

: partly black and partly white in color

2

: being in writing or print

3

: executed in dark pigment on a light background or in light pigment on a dark ground

a black-and-white drawing

4

: monochrome sense 2

black-and-white film

black-and-white television

5

a

: sharply divided into good and evil

b

: evaluating or viewing things as either all good or all bad

black-and-white morality

c

: sharply defined : clear-cut

the truth is not always black-and-white

black-and-white

2 of 3

noun (1)

: squad car

black and white

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

: writing, print

2

: a drawing or print done in black and white or in monochrome

3

: monochrome reproduction of visual images (as by photography or television)

Examples of black-and-white in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While this gorgeous film, shot in black-and-white, looks like an austere arthouse offering on its surface, Schleinzer delivers it with a tender touch that makes for one of this year’s grandest emotional statements. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

The family snaps included a black-and-white image of a shirtless Hefner cradling the newborn, Lambropoulos Hefner introducing her daughter to their son Forrest, 3, as well as Forrest holding his baby sister, who was sweetly swaddled in pink. — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

Since discovering the beauty of Florida more than four decades ago, Clyde Butcher has become known for his giant black-and-white photographs showing the dramatic majesty of the state’s landscape — especially the Everglades. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

While posing for a photo opp, Stewart turned heads in a black-and-white tweed skirt suit by Chanel. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

from a common color scheme for such cars

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1958, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for black-and-white

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite