colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
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 adverb
colorfulness noun

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit. He gave a colorful account of his travels.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Grief has grayed-out her love for colorful creation. Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 At the end of a Monday morning meeting, realtors lined up to spin a colorful wheel to earn prizes, such as money for gas or Starbucks. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025 The festival kicks off with a colorful, energetic opening ceremony filled with songs, dancing, and a horse parade. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025 Emily’s black and white lines, neckties and waistcoats are juxtaposed with Stephanie’s colorful floral sweaters and flowing skirts. Jemal Polson, CNN Money, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for colorful

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of colorful was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorful. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective
col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
1
: having noticeable colors
2
: full of variety or interest
a colorful personality
colorfully adverb
colorfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on colorful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!