coloring

1 of 2

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

coloring

2 of 2

present participle of color entry 2

Synonyms of coloring

Noun

• pigment
• dye
• color
• colorant
• stain

Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Color By Subtraction Your child can complete the subtraction problems on this coloring page. — Nicole Harris, Parents, 26 Aug. 2026

As mentioned above, this coloring is an indicator of ripeness and when to harvest tomatoes. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026

The pair are seen enjoying a day at the beach, creating a homemade art project and coloring by a pool. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Researchers made a prototype dress out of different modules of the textiles, giving the dress’ collar, body and hem varied properties such as patterning, coloring and self-cleaning. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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)