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

• 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

A little goes a long way, as too much coloring can overwhelm the natural sheen of the lychee. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025

Maoershan small tree frogs were identified by their DNA, call sound, coloring, body proportions, skin texture, finger and toe shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025

Known for its rich, dark green coloring and full silhouette, this tree is native to the Appalachian Mountains and has the distinction of being the type of tree most often used as the official White House Christmas tree. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025

Combine Korbel Brut and 2-3 drops of black food coloring in a small glass and float on top of the mixture using a bar spoon. —Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Oct. 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)