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
Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Dec. 2025
To remove discoloration from the dye in a colored candle, test one of these cleaners in an inconspicuous spot before treating the stain.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
Urine that is lighter in color is a sign of adequate hydration, while dark-colored urine may mean too little hydration.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Dark or Brightly Colored Clothing Lemon juice can have a bit of a bleaching effect on dark and brightly colored clothing and textiles, leading to irreversible color loss.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
Travelers flock in droves to the see-and-be-seen beach clubs in Saint-Tropez and Cannes, but Plage Mala’s cobalt- and emerald-colored water easily rivals the Maldives—and lacks the crowds.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025
Spivey was last seen wearing khaki pants and a dark-colored shirt.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
Your Instagram feed is flooded with influencers sipping pastel-colored prebiotic sodas.
—Sara Braun, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Dec. 2025
Indeed, George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, were each photographed writing their names on pieces of colored parchment pieces before adding them to a long chain that would then line a Christmas tree outside Westminster Abbey.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Colored.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colored. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
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