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

This transforms Huston into a colorful enchantress with her grim lair now becoming a lush Greek-like temple. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Property records for luxury homes and registries of private-jet and yacht owners pointed us to colorful stories. — Eric Zwick, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Zidar and Zwick found a colorful cast of characters, including the owner of a yacht named Top Dog. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Burgundy elbow-length gloves, a pair of slingbacks, and a colorful statement necklace by Howl Jewelry topped off her look. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 14 Sep. 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