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

Mahi-mahi and grouper come from nearby Roxas City, oysters from marshy New Washington, and lobsters from the colorful reefs of Palawan. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026

Not bad for a colorful road movie for kids featuring a gentle rhinoceros and a baby penguin. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

The result is unmistakably an American Thanksgiving spread, refracted kaleidoscopically through a fresh, colorful Puerto Rican lens. — Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2026

Video from the school showed colorful classrooms and a room lined with beds where young children could rest. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 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