colored

1 of 2

adjective

col·​ored ˈkə-lərd 

1

: having color

2

a

: colorful

b

: marked by exaggeration or bias

3

a

dated, usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : of a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a) other than white

especially : black entry 1 sense 2

b

dated, usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : of mixed race (see race entry 1 sense 1a)

4

dated, usually offensive; see usage paragraph below : of or relating to persons of races (see race entry 1 sense 1a) other than white or to persons of mixed race

Usage of Colored

The adjective meanings of colored relating to race were formerly in common and widespread use well into the 20th century. Attitudes toward them had changed, however, by the 1960s. Although colored is still occasionally used in self-reference by and between Black people, the adjective as used by others is offensive; the terms Black and African American are preferred. 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.

colored

2 of 2

noun

variants often Colored

plural colored or coloreds

dated, offensive; see usage paragraph below

: a person of a race (see race entry 1 sense 1a) other than white or of mixed race

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.

Synonyms of colored

Adjective

• colorful
• varied
• rainbow
• various

Examples of colored in a Sentence

Adjective

We decorated the Christmas tree with colored lights.

He gave a highly colored account of the events.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Enjoy caramel-colored foliage in spring and fall and pink blooms throughout summer that attract pollinators. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026

Squeezits No '90s lunch box felt complete without a brightly colored bottle of Squeezits. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Match with a polo — more on that soon — or a solid-colored tee. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

On Saturday afternoon, families and skipping children wove through crowds and past brightly colored carnival games on Ashland Avenue. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

For the freshest flavor, choose dragon fruit that has vibrant, evenly colored skin and feels slightly soft to the touch—similar to selecting a ripe avocado. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026

The study points to interactions involving brightly colored cleaner fish on coral reefs as an example of how information can facilitate cooperation. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026

The teething toys are an off-white disc shape and have a grey ball in the center with six multi-colored, silicone tentacle-looking pull strings that run through the ball and seven soft push buttons, according to a description of the product. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

That feeling Cleage references in watching for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, was my experience with viewing her play. — Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colored

• cream-colored
• flesh-colored
• off-colored
• parti-colored
• rose-colored
• rose-colored glasses
• self-colored
• straw-colored

Rhymes for colored

• discolored
• uncolored
• coloured
• multicolored

Kids Definition

colored

adjective

col·​ored

ˈkəl-ərd

1

: having color

colored pictures

2

a

usually offensive : of a race other than white

especially : black entry 1 sense 2a

—used especially in the past

b

usually offensive : of or relating to persons of mixed race or of races other than white

—used especially in the past