hue

noun

ˈhyü 

1

: overall character or appearance to the mind : complexion, aspect

political parties of every hue

—Louis Wasserman

2

a

: color

all the hues of the rainbow

b

: gradation of color

the hues and shades of twilight

—Colin Clark

c

: the attribute of colors that permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors

red with an orange hue

compare brightness sense 2, lightness sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms

• cast
• color
• shade
• tincture
• tinge
• tint
• tone

Example Sentences

We decorated the room in hues of blue and green.

decorated the room in hues of blue and green

Recent Examples on the Web

The darker hues exude a mysterious glamour in contrast with the navy suit. —Gaby Keiderling, harpersbazaar.com, 18 May 2023

Available in smaller entryway sizes as well as area rugs, this denim rug blends stunning indigo hues together for a nice and subtle pop of color. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023

The color is also linked to productivity, Color Psychology continues, and it's believed that the hue can promote mental clarity and stimulate the thought process. —Erika Owen, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2023

These particular dolphins lacked the light pink hue found in some members of the species. —Diana Durán, Washington Post, 9 May 2023

These surfaces are opportunities to bring textures, finishes, and patterns to the hue. —Kristina Mcguirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2023

Acura says that the Type S will come in white, blue, red, and the same gold Tiger Eye Pearl hue offered on the TLX and MDX, but the configurator tool should be available soon. —Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 5 May 2023

Pieces come in an array of black, navy, and white hues—a very Lagerfeld-esque color palette. —Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 May 2023

Arnault says the color is probably just a coincidence, but there’s no doubt the painting was acquired for the signature hue. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hewe, from Old English hīw; akin to Old Norse hȳ plant down, Goth hiwi form

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hue

• hue and cry

• hue and cry

Kids Definition

hue

noun

ˈhyü 

1

: color sense 1

2

: a particular variety of a color : shade

3

: an aspect of colors that allows them to be identified as red, yellow, green, blue, or something between any two of these colors

Medical Definition

hue

noun

ˈhyü 

: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception that permits them to be classified as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors and that is correlated with the wavelength or the combination of wavelengths comprising the stimulus compare brightness, saturation sense 4a

Geographical Definition

Hue

geographical name

ˈ(h)wā 

hü-ˈā,

hyü-ˈā

variants or French Hué

city and port in central Vietnam; formerly capital of Annam population 302,983