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

Performance is solid with a speedy Intel Core Ultra 7 processor running the show, and the QHD+ screen is crisp and colorful. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026

The result is a quaint and colorful two-bedroom blueprint, with dappled light dancing through the street-facing windows. — Sallie Lewis, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2026

Retailers and brands like Lowe's, The Home Depot, and Balsam Hill offer everything from traditional, lifelike evergreens and pre-lit trees to colorful statement pieces, slim designs and tabletop options perfect for apartments or smaller rooms. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

The book is a sprawling, colorful ride through four decades in forty chapters. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 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