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

An image of a giant colorful ball in New York City's Times Square may come to mind for many when thinking about New Year's Eve, but for several others across the country, ringing in the new year looks a little different. —Kate Perez, USA Today, 28 Dec. 2025

Bohemian dress Light, colorful and fluid, this essential basic with a sunny aura can be worn just as easily at the beach as while strolling the streets of the capital. —Alexandre Marain, Glamour, 28 Dec. 2025

For two decades, 5-hour Energy, an energy drink sold in colorful two-ounce bottles in convenience store chains nationwide, has been the go-to booster for thousands of tired truckers and cramming college students. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025

Unlike the colorful, layered cliffs and domes Capitol Reef is known for, Glass Mountain feels almost metaphysical. —Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

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