primary color

noun

: 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.
Its contrast is minimal, and its white backgrounds don't pop more than primary colors. PC Magazine, 13 Apr. 2025 The visual scheme is deliberately dissonant, with the bold primary colors of the costumes and the set dressing clashing against drab, gray, real-life backgrounds. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 The Butler trade watch has gone on for weeks, and his hair color for some December games just happened to match the primary colors of Phoenix, Dallas, Golden State and Houston — the four teams most prominently mentioned as possible trade partners. Tim Reynolds, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2025 This year's rendition uses black as the primary color throughout the jersey and white pants. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 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 13 May. 2025.

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!