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 of coloring

• 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

Both brands have gradually lost market share over the past five years as parents shift to drinks with reduced sugar or natural coloring, according to Numerator. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026

When the coloring’s finished, simply wash the item in a regular laundry cycle and the ink disappears completely, ready for the next creative session. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

Receptions Event Center This Easter brunch features a kids' coloring contest, a cookie decorating station and a visit from the Easter Bunny. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026

Growing adoption of natural food colorings in that market could drive a more than 200% increase in Sensient’s color group sales by 2030, according to the bank’s recent note. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026

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)