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.
Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance. Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 The lavish residence, a boxy, stark white contemporary jazzed up with a colorful lighting scheme, stands out among its Mediterranean Revival neighbors. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 June 2025 Savor fresh seafood and waterfront views at area restaurants, enjoy craft beer at local breweries, and shop locally at The District, a colorful collection of shops and restaurants. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 June 2025 Buy a set of new cushions for a tired outdoor couch or use a colorful tablecloth to hide stains on a table. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colorful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorful. Accessed 6 Jun. 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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