colorist

1 of 2

noun

col·​or·​ist ˈkə-lə-rist 

-lər-ist

plural colorists

: one that colors or deals with color

colorist

2 of 2

adjective

: prejudiced against people with dark skin

specifically : showing favor to light-skinned people over those with darker skin within a racial or ethnic group

The idea that lighter skin provides children less social stigma and more career opportunities, romantic partners, and an overall "easier life" fuels colorist narratives.

—Kelly Wairimu Davis

Examples of colorist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After decades of neglect, many Victorians found new life during the colorist movement of the 1960s. —Itay Hod, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026

Meet the expert Celebrity colorist Jenny Perry, a go-to of the like of Kaia Gerber, Emily Ratajkowski, and more. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025

Adjective

For those seeking extra sparkle and dimension, take a look at Ariana Grande’s recent brunette transformation by colorist Francesco di Chiari. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025

Since winning Season 7, many netizens accused Amaya Espinal of being racist and colorist years before her Love Island debut. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French coloriste, from Latin color color entry 1 + French -iste -ist entry 1

Adjective

color entry 1 + -ist entry 2 (after racist entry 1, sexist, etc.)

First Known Use

Noun

1685, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1990, in the meaning defined above