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 of colorful

• colored
• varied
• rainbow
• vibrant
• 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

But in the rainy winter and spring months, the park becomes a showcase for a diverse, colorful array of blossoms. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

The shelves are packed with colorful Floridian fares, the air is perfumed with fresh fruit and baked goods, and a line of customers snakes through the center of the store. —Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026

The display model sported a colorful red and black paint scheme dubbed Bloodshot Night, with a sticker price around $100,000. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026

Additionally, if your wardrobe consists of neutral or mostly black pieces, consider a colorful face or a playful aesthetic, such as the digital models. —John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026

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