primary color

noun

Synonyms of primary colornext
: any of a set of colors from which all other colors may be derived

Examples of primary color in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The part-primary color, part-pastel aesthetic is somewhat reminiscent of designer Raf Simons’ 2010s collaborations with Adidas. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026 The announcements mark a clear expansion of Hisense’s multi-primary color strategy, moving beyond single-flagship demonstrations toward broader commercial availability. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026 Jones wore purple — the secondary color produced when the primary colors of red and blue and blended. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026 The tight, cross-hatched application of paint morphed into the architectonic, reductive works that focused on primary colors. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for primary color

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of primary color was in 1817

Cite this Entry

“Primary color.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primary%20color. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

primary color

noun
: any of a set of colors from which all other colors may be made with the colors for light being red, green, and blue and for pigments or paint being red, yellow, and blue

Medical Definition

primary color

noun
: any of a set of colors (as red, yellow, and blue or red, green, and blue) from which all other colors may be derived

More from Merriam-Webster on primary color

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!