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

Participants will use colorful beads and wire to design a decorative hanging air plant or an air plant secured to a rock. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

Such tidbits make for a colorful, irreverent portrait. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026

In the flatlands rooms, within walking distance of the pools, restaurants, and kids’ club, there’s a quintessential beach resort layout that guests in flowing colorful mumus and board shorts amble through leisurely. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Newshows Floral Split Maxi Dress, $32 with coupon Go for a glamorous look in this maxi dress with a faux wrap front, plunging V-neckline, and colorful floral maxi skirt with a deep front slit. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 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