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

Many of the buildings are painted almost like a salmon-colored pink. —AFAR Media, 11 May 2026

In one classic problem, you’re given three colored pencils and a blank map divided into many regions. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026

An individual player’s performance in the game can be posted online without revealing the answer, as the colored tiles are shown without the letters. —Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

Cherry tomatoes are ripe when they are fully colored but still slightly firm to the touch. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026

Nicaragua trip with a blush-colored padparadscha sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds. —Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

The rooms are outfitted with rust-red linen drapery that adds a pop of warmth, custom brandy-colored velvet beds and bespoke furniture, including wood cabinets and desks topped with Calacatta Viola marble. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 8 May 2026

The pastel-colored bag made the florals of her Zimmerman dress pop, and added a bit of romance to the otherwise low-key and slick look. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 8 May 2026

Balancing the practicality of breathable, comfortable clothing with the flash of rave wear, metallic mesh tops and brightly colored bodysuits are common fashion choices for people attending EDC. —Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 7 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