colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkə-lər-fəl 

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 

adverb

colorfulness

ˈkə-lər-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of colorful

• colored
• varied
• rainbow
• vibrant
• various

Examples of colorful in a Sentence

I wore a colorful outfit.

He gave a colorful account of his travels.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Wat Po Deluxe rooms, which face away from the river, actually give you a very striking, colorful view of tropical plants and the intricate, tiled chedis of this famous temple complex. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Designed to be used, displayed, combined and gifted, the pieces blend everyday function with Ginori’s refined aesthetic, colorful palette and touches of gold. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Plus, its starlight sensor helps amplify footage for more colorful videos. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026

The balls also came in several translucent colors and were full of colorful water beads and glitter. — Eva Flowe october 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

color entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing colorful

• colorful character

Kids Definition

colorful

adjective

col·​or·​ful ˈkəl-ər-fəl 

1

: having noticeable colors

2

: full of variety or interest

a colorful personality

colorfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

colorfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun