colours: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral to formal; the plural form 'colours' is the standard form for the noun in general usage.
Quick answer
What does “colours” mean?
The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light; a hue or tint.
Vividness, variety, or interest; the flag, badge, or uniform of a particular regiment, ship, or team, representing allegiance or identity; in figurative use, a person's true nature or character, especially when revealed in a situation demanding action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'colours', US 'colors'. In the context of flags/sports teams, 'colours' (UK) is more common than 'colors' (US), where 'colors' is still used but 'flag' or 'uniform' may be more frequent.
Connotations
Similar core connotations. 'To show one's true colours' is common in both, but the spelling differs. The phrase 'with flying colours' (meaning with great success) is slightly more prevalent in UK English.
Frequency
The word is extremely high-frequency in both variants. The spelling difference is systematic.
Grammar
How to Use “colours” in a Sentence
NP + V + colours (e.g., The trees change colours)V + NP + in + colours (e.g., She painted the room in bright colours)NP + show + POSS + true coloursVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colours” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child coloured the sky blue.
- His embarrassment coloured his cheeks.
American English
- The child colored the sky blue.
- Her opinion was colored by past experience.
adverb
British English
- The film was shot colourfully.
- Rarely used as a direct adverb from 'colour'.
American English
- The film was shot colorfully.
- Rarely used as a direct adverb from 'color'.
adjective
British English
- A colour television.
- A colour supplement in the newspaper.
American English
- A color television.
- A color photo.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In branding and marketing (e.g., 'Our brand colours are blue and green.').
Academic
In art theory, physics (optics), and biology (e.g., 'The study analysed the perception of contrasting colours.').
Everyday
Describing objects, clothing, nature, and preferences (e.g., 'What colours are in fashion this season?').
Technical
In digital design (RGB/CMYK colours), printing, and heraldry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colours”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colours”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colours”
- Using singular 'colour' when referring to the general concept (e.g., 'I like bright colour' → 'I like bright colours').
- Incorrect preposition: 'with colours' instead of 'in colours' (e.g., 'paint with bright colours' is less idiomatic than 'paint in bright colours').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a noun referring to the general phenomenon or multiple hues, it's plural. But 'colour' is the singular form for one specific hue (e.g., 'Blue is a colour'). In fixed phrases like 'team colours', it remains plural even when referring to one set.
'Colour' (singular) refers to a specific hue or the abstract concept. 'Colours' (plural) refers to multiple specific hues, the general concept involving variety (e.g., 'a world full of colours'), or specific symbolic flags/uniforms.
No, 'colours' is not a verb form. The verb is 'to colour' (UK) / 'to color' (US). 'Colours' is the third person singular present tense of that verb (e.g., 'He colours his hair').
The idiom originates from nautical terminology where ships could sail under 'false colours' (different flags to deceive). 'Colours' here is a fixed plural noun meaning 'flag' or 'standard', metaphorically extended to mean one's true nature or allegiance, which is seen as multi-faceted, hence the plural.
The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light.
Colours is usually neutral to formal; the plural form 'colours' is the standard form for the noun in general usage. in register.
Colours: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌləz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “show one's true colours”
- “with flying colours”
- “sail under false colours”
- “see someone in their true colours”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a colourful parrot ('parrot' sounds a bit like 'pair of' colours) showing off its many feathers.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOURS ARE EMOTIONS (e.g., feeling blue, seeing red, green with envy). VARIETY IS COLOUR (e.g., adding colour to a story).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'to succeed very easily or with an excellent result'?