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

Between the lines: Chefs and foodies have long prized local eggs for their superior taste and rich coloring — an appetizing look factory farms can cheat-replicate with turmeric in the feed. —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025

The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring, head shape, teeth and jaws, body shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025

Annatto food coloring may also increase the following symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in susceptible individuals.14 Abdominal pain Bloating Diarrhea To improve these symptoms, avoid all foods and supplements that have annatto listed in the ingredients. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024

Bottled at a cask strength of 129 proof, completely unadulterated by any flavoring or coloring, this beauty was aged in Fiji for two years and then in Europe for another 10 in ex-bourbon barrels. —Tony Sachs, Forbes, 16 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)