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

Nor any pebble clattering down the medieval stones, plinking into the tea- colored water. —Ellen Bass, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Disney history fans know that the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train was a former attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, where colored pools and waterfalls could be seen among the cave formations. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

The actress wore a pastel-colored gown of peaches, purples and yellows with a long train, not unlike her Statue of Liberty gown at the 2022 celebration. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 4 May 2026

Just add kitten heel mules, a colored satin clutch, and statement earrings for a gala-ready look. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 May 2026

Best gentle shampoo for colored hair This award-winning shampoo and conditioner duo is made with organic rose oil and peaches, which revive dull or fading color. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 May 2026

Further research needed The findings show that airborne plastic particles, particularly colored nanoplastics, contribute to atmospheric warming and may also influence regional climate patterns. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Look for trendy colored glassware that brings texture and interest to your table setting. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026

Both pairs feature matching color blocking with Moonbeam gray suede wrapping the uppers and colored mesh filling in the underlays. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 May 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