coloring

1 of 2

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ How to pronounce coloring (audio)
Synonyms of coloringnext
1
a
: the act of applying colors
b
: something that produces color or color effects
c(1)
: the effect produced by applying or combining colors
(2)
: natural color
(3)
: complexion, coloration
d
: change of appearance (as by adding color)
2
: influence, bias
3
: color sense 8
4
: timbre, quality

coloring

2 of 2

present participle of color entry 2

Synonyms of coloring

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Noun Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring. Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring. She added some blue food coloring to the icing. This scarf will look great with your coloring. He has very light coloring.
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.
Noun
Color By Subtraction Your child can complete the subtraction problems on this coloring page. — Nicole Harris, Parents, 26 Aug. 2026 As mentioned above, this coloring is an indicator of ripeness and when to harvest tomatoes. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026 The pair are seen enjoying a day at the beach, creating a homemade art project and coloring by a pool. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 Researchers made a prototype dress out of different modules of the textiles, giving the dress’ collar, body and hem varied properties such as patterning, coloring and self-cleaning. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coloring

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coloring was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing coloring

Browse Nearby Words

color in
coloring
coloring book
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

coloring

noun
col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce coloring (audio)
1
: the act of applying colors
2
: something that produces color
food coloring
3
: the effect produced by applying or combining colors
4
: complexion sense 1, coloration
5
: change of appearance (as by adding color)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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