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

Proudly made in the USA, these coloring tablecloths make memorable experiences for parties, family gatherings, camps, and celebrations of all kinds. — ABC News, 22 June 2026

Many popular soft drinks receive low scores on the apps, often because of high sugar content and additives such as food coloring, preservatives and sweeteners. — Jing Feng, NBC news, 22 June 2026

The star ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (say that five times fast), reconnects broken disulfide bonds in the hair, which can be damaged by heat styling, coloring, and everyday wear and tear. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026

The colors would be unusual in North Carolina, and more common in animals bred in captivity for specific coloring. — Charlotte Observer, 17 June 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)