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

Your azaleas put on an impressive and colorful display in early spring, and summer is the time the plants prepare for next year's blooms. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 June 2026

Inspired by the peppy and colorful roller rinks of the ‘90s, these Halloween decorations capture the magic of childhood holiday parties. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026

Formerly the Cromwell, and before that Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and the Barbary Coast, the corner property at Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard — directly across from Caesars Palace, on what amounts to the 50-yard line of the Strip — has changed identities several times during its colorful life. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

Boat trips and water taxis to the outer islands start from Bocas Town, the archipelago’s colorful seaside capital. — Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 25 June 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