tertiary color

noun

1
: a color produced by an equal mixture of a primary color with a secondary color adjacent to it on the color wheel
2
: a color produced by mixing two secondary colors

Examples of tertiary 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.
What are the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors on a color wheel? Kate Reggev, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2024 Pair with vibrant teals or calm navy for a colorful primary or tertiary color palette. Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2023 The addition of a tertiary color (green) opened up some possibilities in terms of licensing. Joe Knowles, chicagotribune.com, 22 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tertiary color was circa 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Tertiary color.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tertiary%20color. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

tertiary color

noun
: a color produced by mixing two secondary colors

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