colouring: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; technical in specific contexts (e.g., food science, art).
Quick answer
What does “colouring” mean?
The act or process of applying colour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of applying colour; the appearance of something in terms of colour.
The characteristic appearance of something, especially in terms of complexion or skin tone; a substance used to add colour to something (e.g., food colouring); the depiction of something in a particular way, often to influence opinion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'colouring' is the standard spelling for the noun. In American English, the equivalent noun is almost always spelled 'coloring' (without the 'u').
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. In child development contexts, 'colouring' (BrE) / 'coloring' (AmE) often refers to the activity of filling in outlines with crayons.
Frequency
High frequency in BrE; the AmE spelling 'coloring' is equally frequent in its own variety.
Grammar
How to Use “colouring” in a Sentence
the colouring of [noun][adjective] colouringcolouring in [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colouring” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is colouring in the picture.
- The sunset coloured the sky pink.
American English
- She is coloring in the picture.
- The sunset colored the sky pink.
adjective
British English
- She bought a colouring book for her nephew.
- The food colouring agent is natural.
American English
- She bought a coloring book for her nephew.
- The food coloring agent is natural.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like cosmetics ('hair colouring products'), food ('no artificial colouring'), or manufacturing.
Academic
Used in biology ('protective colouring in animals'), art history, and food science.
Everyday
Very common, especially regarding hair dye, children's activities, food ingredients, and describing people's complexion.
Technical
Specific use in chemistry (dyes), zoology (camouflage), and graphic design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colouring”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colouring”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colouring”
- Using 'colouring' as a verb in AmE (where 'color' is the verb). Misspelling 'colouring' in AmE contexts. Confusing 'colouring' (substance/property) with 'colour' (general concept).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun. The verb form is 'to colour' (BrE) / 'to color' (AmE). The '-ing' form can be a gerund (noun) or present participle, but 'colouring' as a standalone word typically refers to the noun.
'Colour' is the general, abstract concept. 'Colouring' refers specifically to the process, the result, or the substance used to impart colour. E.g., 'I like the colour blue' vs. 'The colouring of this fabric is uneven'.
In American English, the standard spelling for the noun is 'coloring' (without the 'u').
Yes, it commonly refers to a person's complexion or skin tone, as in 'She has a healthy colouring' or 'His pale colouring suggested he was unwell'.
The act or process of applying colour.
Colouring is usually neutral to informal; technical in specific contexts (e.g., food science, art). in register.
Colouring: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlərɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “colour outside the lines (related activity)”
- “see things in their true colours (related concept)”
- “lend colour to (a story)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the extra 'U' in 'colouring' as belonging to the 'U' in 'United Kingdom'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOURING IS A LAYER (applied on top of something). COLOURING IS A CHARACTERISTIC (inherent property).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'colouring' the standard spelling for the noun?