coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ How to pronounce coloring (audio)
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
d
: change of appearance (as by adding color)
2
3
4

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for coloring

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of coloring was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Coloring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coloring. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

coloring

noun
col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce coloring (audio)
1
: the act of applying colors
2
: something that produces color
food coloring
3
: the effect produced by applying or combining colors
4
5
: change of appearance (as by adding color)

More from Merriam-Webster on coloring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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