colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl 

1

: having striking colors

colorful scenery

2

a

: full of variety or interest

a colorful description

b

of speech : rude, offensive

… he had begun to gamble and use colorful language …

—Yohannes Edemariam

colorfully

ˈkə-lər-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

ˈkə-lər-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• chromatic
• colored
• kaleidoscopic
• motley
• multicolored
• multihued
• polychromatic
• polychrome
• prismatic
• rainbow
• varicolored
• varied
• variegated
• various

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit.

He gave a colorful account of his travels.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Scuderia Ferrari driver’s bold, colorful, and whimsical looks have garnered much attention in the style world and earned him the title of ‘champion of style’ as well. —Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

That colorful language is shared by Chris Goulet, managing partner of Birdsong Brewing. —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2025

Choose a small lined basket, fill with potting soil, and add daffodils, pansies, or other simple, colorful flowers. —Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025

While exploring the wreck of USS Yorktown during Dive 06 of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition, researchers imaged this colorful red jellyfish, which may be a new species. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

color entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing colorful

• colorful character

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl 

1

: having noticeable colors

2

: full of variety or interest

a colorful personality

colorfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun