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

• 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

All of the chunks were from the west side which was covered by colorful graffiti, and thus more likely to sell. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

As long as they're given full sun, these colorful flowers will cover fences and arbors with luscious, layered blooms in June and July, then again later in the summer. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2025

Manipulatives Manipulatives refer to colorful learning tools that serve as visual and tactile aids to illustrate more abstract concepts. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

In a video shared to his Instagram on Thursday, the Oscar winner can be seen in a colorful button-down shirt, arms crossed, with the face wrap covering his chin, neck, and ears. —Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 1 Aug. 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