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

The new species was identified by its coloring, overall size, finger and toe shape, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025

But this early in the fire season, the coloring serves as an inescapable reminder of greenhouse gas emissions and the mobility solutions that might reduce or at least slightly mitigate the future of radical weather crises. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025

The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, known for its affectionate temperament and distinctive coloring, has long been a favorite among pet owners—but rarely do two appear in such identical fashion on a first date. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

The company also sold off the Iams pet food business; its Duracell battery business and spun off a large portfolio of more than 40 beauty brands, including Clairol and Wella hair coloring and CoverGirl makeup. —Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 29 July 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)