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

This coloring occurs because deep, compact ice absorbs light’s longer wavelengths—like reds and yellows—and scatters shorter blue wavelengths back toward our eyes. —Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2026

The most unique ingredient on the list is gel food coloring, which is readily available in most supermarkets, craft stores, and even online. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 20 Jan. 2026

This relationship been also reported for Eurasian nuthatches, Sitta europaea, another songbird with orange plumage, according to a 2018 study (ref), but in this species, females show a surprising preference for as little orange plumage coloring as possible when making their mate choices. —Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Even simple activities like sketching or coloring can offer sensory mindfulness and spark emotional well-being. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026

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)