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.
The bar program is playful, colorful and communal — expect to see a little something for everyone. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 The studs add an elevated element that colorful shoes could normally bring to the table, but aren’t always practical for mixing and matching. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026 But the star of the evening was a brand-new drone show accompanying the fireworks, with 500 colorful drones lighting up in intricate formations. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 Elick recommends making a green pea hummus dip with tahini paste, lemon, and seasonings for a colorful alternative to regular hummus. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 5 July 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 7 Jul. 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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