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

Recently remodeled with a sleek, modern design and colorful contemporary art, Seu Pizza isn't your typical old-school pizzeria. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Instead of wallpaper or paint, the team commissioned a colorful mural by Mexican-Spanish artist Rafael Uriegas. — Matt Goulet, Architectural Digest, 22 Sep. 2026

The agricultural region is particularly famous for its colorful spring tulip fields, which transform acres of farmland into brilliant stripes of red, yellow, pink, and purple. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026

The trendy yellow color was jazzed up with cheetah and zebra prints and colorful florals. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Sep. 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