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

Examples of hue in a Sentence

We decorated the room in hues of blue and green.

decorated the room in hues of blue and green

Recent Examples on the Web

This hue, neither white nor beige, is the perfect neutral to wear with anything from tweeds to navy sport coats, vintage jungle jackets, and chambray shirts. —Josh Condon, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2024

After test-driving the cinnamon-spiced mani, add a deeper chocolate brown hue to the list, with a blunter square shape, slightly rounded off at the edges—a fun nod to our favorite sweet treat. —Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024

Its pink, rust, and brown hues influenced the color scheme of the entire apartment. —Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 6 Sep. 2024

Two brands with completely different product lines but the same ethos surrounding comfort and quality have created the ultimate pair of cozy-chic slip-ons: a beloved Birkenstock style in a signature Parachute hue. —Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2024

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

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