coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ 

1

a

: the act of applying colors

b

: something that produces color or color effects

c(1)

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

(2)

: natural color

(3)

: complexion, coloration

d

: change of appearance (as by adding color)

2

: influence, bias

3

: color sense 8

4

: timbre, quality

Synonyms of coloring

• pigment
• dye
• color
• colorant
• stain

Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring.

Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring.

She added some blue food coloring to the icing.

This scarf will look great with your coloring.

He has very light coloring.

Recent Examples on the Web

The bold coloring technique shot to stardom back in 2022 when Kendall Jenner traded her brown brows for the barely-there look. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025

The nourishing formula helps repair dry, overexposed, frizz-prone hair, especially for anyone who has regular coloring appointments. —Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

This leaves behind that yellowish, clear fluid with the milk proteins and cola colorings at the bottom in a sort of muddy-looking mess. —Ray Petelin, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025

The first renditions of this regional favorite were made with a standard mahogany cake batter that was tinted with either beet juice or food coloring. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coloring

• coloring book

Kids Definition

coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the act of applying colors

2

: something that produces color

food coloring

3

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

4

: complexion sense 1, coloration

5

: change of appearance (as by adding color)