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

• color
• colorant
• dye
• dyestuff
• pigment
• 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

In January, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has targeted food dyes in recent months, banning a dye called Red 3 and working to remove eight synthetic food colorings from the food supply, according to an April news release. —Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 14 May 2025

Turmeric, with its bright orange-yellow color, is widely used as a food coloring and flavoring agent. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025

The new species was identified by its coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025

The agency is also initiating a process to revoke authorization of synthetic food colorings, including those not in production, within the coming weeks. —Amelia Lucas,annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025

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)