coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ 

1

a

: the act of applying colors

b

: something that produces color or color effects

c(1)

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

(2)

: natural color

(3)

: complexion, coloration

d

: change of appearance (as by adding color)

2

: influence, bias

3

: color sense 8

4

: timbre, quality

Synonyms

• color
• colorant
• dye
• dyestuff
• pigment
• stain

Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring.

Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring.

She added some blue food coloring to the icing.

This scarf will look great with your coloring.

He has very light coloring.

Recent Examples on the Web

The entire halftime show featured white costumes and coloring, along with a ton of country hits. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024

It is primarily grown for its vibrant reddish-orange seeds, which are used as a natural food coloring in various products.2 Traditionally, annatto is used to prevent and treat heartburn, chest pain, fevers, and diarrhea. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024

These no-bake wreath cookies come together with just seven ingredients: mini marshmallows, butter, green food coloring, vanilla and almond extract, cornflakes, and red hot candies. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024

Both males and females have black to blackish-brown, light-brown and yellow coloring, the scientists said. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coloring

• coloring book

Kids Definition

coloring

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the act of applying colors

2

: something that produces color

food coloring

3

: the effect produced by applying or combining colors

4

: complexion sense 1, coloration

5

: change of appearance (as by adding color)