colored: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Adjective/Verb: Neutral. As a racial descriptor: Dated/Official/Historical (often considered offensive or outdated in modern contexts).
Quick answer
What does “colored” mean?
Having color(s).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having color(s); not black or white.
Used in historical or specific contexts to refer to people of races other than white, particularly in the US and South Africa. Also refers to something influenced, distorted, or biased.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'coloured', US 'colored'. The racial term is primarily associated with US and South African history.
Connotations
In both varieties, the racial term carries strong historical and negative connotations of discrimination. The 'influenced/bias' sense is neutral.
Frequency
The neutral 'having colour' sense is common. The racial sense is low-frequency in contemporary usage except in historical discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “colored” in a Sentence
be colored + (with + NOUN)color + OBJECT + (ADJECTIVE/NOUN)have + a + colored + NOUNVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colored” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child coloured the sky a deep blue.
- Her early experiences coloured her worldview for decades.
American English
- He colored the map using different shades for each country.
- The bad news colored the entire mood of the meeting.
adjective
British English
- She bought a set of coloured chalks.
- He gave a highly coloured account of the argument.
- (Historical) The coloured community faced significant discrimination.
American English
- The folders are sorted by colored tabs.
- His judgment was clearly colored by personal friendship.
- (Historical) 'Colored' water fountains were a symbol of segregation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in design/marketing (e.g., 'colored packaging').
Academic
Used in historical/sociological contexts with caution; common in art and optics.
Everyday
Common for describing objects, less common for people due to potential offense.
Technical
Used in printing (CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black), graphics, and optics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colored”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colored”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colored”
- Using 'colored' to describe a person's race in modern conversation.
- Confusing 'colored' (having color) with 'colorful' (full of bright colors or interesting features).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern everyday English, no. It is outdated and offensive. Use more specific and respectful terms like 'Black', 'African American', or 'a person of color' (note: 'person of color' is a broader, accepted modern term). The historical term may be used in direct quotes, historical analysis, or official names like the NAACP.
'Colored' means simply 'having color'. 'Colorful' implies being full of many bright or varied colors, or being vivid, interesting, or eccentric (e.g., a colorful character, a colorful narrative).
The British spelling 'coloured' follows the standard UK convention of retaining the 'u' in words derived from Latin ending in '-or', like colour, flavour, honour. American English simplified the spelling to 'color', hence 'colored'.
Yes. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'to color' (UK: colour), meaning to add color with paint, dye, etc., or to influence something (e.g., 'His anger colored his response').
Having color(s).
Colored is usually adjective/verb: neutral. as a racial descriptor: dated/official/historical (often considered offensive or outdated in modern contexts). in register.
Colored: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌləd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “see things in rose-colored glasses”
- “show one's true colors”
- “with flying colors”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COLORED pencil that draws in many hues, not just black and white.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOR IS EMOTION/BIAS (e.g., 'a colored opinion' is influenced by feeling).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'colored' MOST LIKELY to be considered offensive?