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

• pigment
• dye
• color
• colorant
• 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

Sánchez has always maintained the same hair coloring (dark brown with golden streaks), arched brows, shimmering shadow and a pink lip shade combo — all thanks to her beauty team. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 June 2025

The new species was identified by its DNA, body proportions, head shape, scale pattern, coloring, teeth and other subtle physical features, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025

No coloring, flavoring, or any other additive is permitted. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

The coloring, animation style and specific details, such as the logos on the side of Lighting McQueen and Buzz Lightyear’s space suit, closely resemble the original works. —Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

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)