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 Leather Pant Leather pants feel less Bike Riders and more fashion when teamed up with a colorful knit and cozy slides. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Some things in the space are for purchase, such as homeware ceramics from Deborah Brett’s brand DB Ceramics; statement jewelry from Anisa Sojka; colorful footwear from Terry De Havilland, and velvet pouches from Angie Power. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024

The next day, Morris shared her single’s colorful cover art, which features the title printed in a retro font. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2024

Meanwhile, in New York City, Sarah Jessica Parker steps out in a colorful outfit, and Tom Holland raises a glass on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

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