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.
It’s made of mold- and mildew-resistant acacia wood and comes with plush, colorful cushions that are comfortable and supportive. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025 Tucked away in a couple of buildings in Old Town are rows upon rows of colorful artwork, which is not especially unusual for the state historic park. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 If your favorite part of autumn is the rich, colorful leaves, this wreath is an easy yes. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025 Anderson made a convincing argument for florals in the fall with her long white off-the-shoulder dress from Magnolia Pearl, which was covered in colorful appliqué flowers. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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