colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
1
: having striking colors
colorful scenery
2
a
: full of variety or interest
a colorful description
b
of speech : rude, offensive
… he had begun to gamble and use colorful language …Yohannes Edemariam
colorfully adverb
colorfulness noun

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit. He gave a colorful account of his travels.
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.
Years ago, for appearances, the actress would lean on colorful separates to point to her affinity for bold hues and patterns. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025 Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Strapless Ruffle Dress This Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara strapless dress is now just $9 and comes in a colorful floral print or black to suit your style. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Looking skyward, the southern reaches of Kenya also serve as a paradise for birdwatchers, with colorful animals like the malachite kingfisher, little bee-eater and Marico sunbird calling the region home. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 The trend continued in Paris, where at The Row a black windbreaker contrasted a simple pair of white slacks, and at Miu Miu, colorful track jackets were featured in a number of our favorite looks. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for colorful 

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of colorful was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near colorful

Cite this Entry

“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorful. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective
col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
1
: having noticeable colors
2
: full of variety or interest
a colorful personality
colorfully adverb
colorfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on colorful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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