colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl How to pronounce colorful (audio)
Synonyms of colorfulnext
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
ˈkə-lər-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce colorful (audio)
adverb
colorfulness
ˈkə-lər-fəl-nəs How to pronounce colorful (audio)
noun

Synonyms of colorful

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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.
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026 Selig had nothing to report, saying so in sometimes colorful language. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 With its warm minimal interiors and crisp, colorful furnishings, The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth reflects the city's more restrained side. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 On Michigan Avenue in West Dearborn, Seltz Soda Club crafts colorful dirty sodas — fizzy, nonalcoholic seltzer waters swirled with an assortment of syrups and creams. — Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colorful

Word History

Etymology

color entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of colorful was in 1848

Phrases Containing colorful

Browse Nearby Words

color force
colorful
colorful character
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorful. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce colorful (audio)
adverb
colorfulness
-fəl-nəs How to pronounce colorful (audio)
noun
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