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

Portage police added that while some students play the game safely using brightly colored water guns, others have created dangerous situations that can trigger panic. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

The towering pylon's entire facade lights up with colored LEDs that change according to the time of day, as well as the seasons. —New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026

Her proud father donned a smart tuxedo, while Yeri cooed in a pint-sized cream-colored dress. —Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026

To help homeowners and contractors dig safely, utility companies and municipalities will mark the locations of the lines with colored flags or nontoxic spray paint. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

Plant a patchwork of sedums for a multi-colored, mat-forming groundcover. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

Fort Lauderdale airport travelers may catch some vacation vibes at the sight of seven brightly colored bird sculptures that resemble large pool floats. —Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026

Inside, the restaurant resembles any neighborhood spot that slings fresh carne asada tacos, with tight seating and brightly colored walls. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Switch out your sneakers for suede tassel loafers when wearing your best light-colored trousers; also, avoid black accessories and opt for neutral tones or dark brown instead. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 16 Apr. 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