hue

noun

ˈhyü 

1

: overall character or appearance to the mind : complexion, aspect

political parties of every hue

—Louis Wasserman

2

a

: color

all the hues of the rainbow

b

: gradation of color

the hues and shades of twilight

—Colin Clark

c

: the attribute of colors that permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors

red with an orange hue

compare brightness sense 2, lightness sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms

• cast
• color
• shade
• tincture
• tinge
• tint
• tone

Examples of hue in a Sentence

We decorated the room in hues of blue and green.

decorated the room in hues of blue and green

Recent Examples on the Web

That includes a spacious owner’s suite, adorned with neutral hues and a sizable ensuite, as well as a VIP suite, complete with dramatic artwork and its own ensuite. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 19 Feb. 2025

Its soft, plush leather has a luxury feel with an aquamarine hue similar to the trending sage green with a timeless touch. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

During the more than hourlong totality, the moon will change to rich rusty-red hues, creating a breathtaking sight in the night sky. —Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

One such portrait illustrates him as a shadowy figure filling a monochromatic, milky frame, which Fraser shot on location in Jordan as a way to contrast the northern golden hues of the spice planet with its murky southern counterpart. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hewe, from Old English hīw; akin to Old Norse hȳ plant down, Goth hiwi form

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hue

• hue and cry

Kids Definition

hue

noun

ˈhyü 

1

: color sense 1

2

: a particular variety of a color : shade

3

: an aspect of colors that allows them to be identified as red, yellow, green, blue, or something between any two of these colors

Medical Definition

hue

noun

ˈhyü 

: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception that permits them to be classified as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors and that is correlated with the wavelength or the combination of wavelengths comprising the stimulus compare brightness, saturation sense 4a

Geographical Definition

Hue

geographical name

ˈ(h)wā 

hü-ˈā,

hyü-ˈā

variants or French Hué

city and port in central Vietnam; formerly capital of Annam population 302,983