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.
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.
Examples of colored in a Sentence
Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 13 Nov. 2025
One man shared a shot of the northern lights near Livingston, Montana, on X, which showed a brown horse standing in front of a multi-colored sky.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
Syncing up with the bass becomes second nature eventually, and the shifts in the soundtrack are accompanied by a complete change in the on-screen visuals, with different colored blocks, unique trims, and level skins providing a mental reset as the next level begins.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
The newest section of the cemetery had the most decorations, but Estrada noted there seemed to be more brightly colored floral arrangements across the grounds than had been seen in a while.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
Brightly colored vitamin stickers similarly glorify the work of wellness.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025
Since then, Shashou and Effron have been iterating alongside what has become a team of 50 robotics engineers on the manicure system, which can remove nail polish; deliver cuticle care; file nails — without blades — and impart colored polish and a top coat to finish.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
During this time, monarchs cluster together in packed colonies for warmth—in a good year, thousands of monarchs might rest on a single tree, creating a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored wings.
—Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Remember, a hard freeze will still damage them, turning them mushy and off-colored.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Colored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colored. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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