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

• 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

But when the vision quest fizzles out, many organizations are left with a colorful statement on their break room walls. —Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

In 2020, for example, Etro brought its signature colorful touch to Milan’s iconic Four Seasons Hotel, customizing the hotel’s sophisticated garden by setting up the world’s first EtroGarden, decorated with sofas, armchairs and cushions covered with the brand’s vibrant paisley fabrics. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

Ledford is a songwriter to watch, spinning urgent, gripping tales of life’s ups and downs in the midst of a wildly colorful and psychedelic musical universe. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025

The Roku 55-inch Pro Series TV is $300 off and nails the balance of bright, colorful picture quality with a super simple interface that gets you streaming without fuss. —PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 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