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

But when one student completed a coloring assignment, and Lancaster held it up to show the class, the other students cheered and clapped. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

The coloring and low profile on this design still feels neutral while adding a little visual interest with the ornate patterning. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026

Add the onions and saute until soft without coloring, about 4 minutes. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026

Young Humboldt penguins have grayish-brown feathers and won’t develop their signature black-and-white coloring for a few years. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 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)