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.
Its brightest stars form a large cross, often called the Northern Cross, with Deneb marking the top and colorful double-star Albireo the base. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 This also comes as no surprise, as Niagara Falls has been named one of the country’s most popular fall foliage destinations, where colorful leaves frame the famous waterfalls. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 The celebration transformed the gardens into a colorful evening party. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 This could also be colorful headphones that make your morning walk a bit more you, or a book that leaves you feeling inspired to explore more of your own creativity. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 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 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on colorful

Nglish: Translation of colorful for Spanish Speakers

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