1
: overall character or appearance to the mind : complexion, aspect
political parties of every hueLouis Wasserman
2
a
: color
all the hues of the rainbow
b
: gradation of color
the hues and shades of twilightColin 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

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hue was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near hue

Cite this Entry

“Hue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hue. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

hue

noun
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
: 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 How to pronounce Hue (audio)
hü-ˈā,
hyü-ˈā
variants or French Hué
city and port in central Vietnam; formerly capital of Annam population 302,983

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