greys: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “greys” mean?
The plural form of 'grey' (UK) or 'gray' (US), referring to multiple instances of the colour between black and white.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'grey' (UK) or 'gray' (US), referring to multiple instances of the colour between black and white.
Can refer to multiple things that are grey in colour, or metaphorically to things that are dull, indeterminate, or lacking in clear distinction. Also used as a verb meaning to become grey or to cause to become grey (e.g., hair greying).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'greys' is the standard British English plural of 'grey'. In American English, the standard spelling is 'grays', the plural of 'gray'. Both refer to the same colour.
Connotations
Identical in connotation. Both spellings carry the same literal and metaphorical meanings (dullness, ambiguity, aging).
Frequency
In UK corpus data, 'greys' is vastly more frequent. In US corpus data, 'grays' is vastly more frequent. The verb form ('greys'/'grays') follows the same pattern.
Grammar
How to Use “greys” in a Sentence
[Subject] greys (verb, intransitive)The [noun] is available in various greys (noun, plural)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greys” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His beard greys a bit more each year.
- Worry greys a person's hair prematurely.
American English
- His beard grays a bit more each year.
- Stress grays hair faster.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. The form 'greyly' is extremely rare.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. The form 'grayly' is extremely rare.
adjective
British English
- She bought two lovely grey jumpers.
- The grey skies promised rain.
American English
- She bought two lovely gray sweaters.
- The gray skies promised rain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In design and marketing: 'The new palette features sophisticated greys.'
Academic
In art history: 'The artist's late period is characterised by muted greys.'
Everyday
Describing clothing or decor: 'I'm looking for a jumper in one of these greys.'
Technical
In photography/printing: 'Adjust the balance of the cyans and greys.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greys”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greys”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greys”
- Using 'greys' as the standard spelling in American English contexts.
- Using a singular verb with the plural noun 'greys' (e.g., 'This greys is nice' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary meaning is the plural of the colour grey, it is also the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to grey' (to become grey, typically used for hair).
It is a regional spelling variation. 'Greys' is standard in British English and other Commonwealth varieties. 'Grays' is standard in American English. They are pronounced the same and mean the same thing.
Yes. The plural noun can refer to areas of moral ambiguity ('the greys of the situation'). The verb often metaphorically describes aging or losing vitality ('the population greys').
No. 'Greys' is a plural noun or a verb. You cannot have 'a greys'. You would say 'a grey' (singular) or 'some greys' (plural).
The plural form of 'grey' (UK) or 'gray' (US), referring to multiple instances of the colour between black and white.
Greys is usually neutral in register.
Greys: in British English it is pronounced /ɡreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡreɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All cats are grey in the dark.”
- “shades of grey”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GREYS: Great Britain's Regular English Yields Spelling (with an 'e').
Conceptual Metaphor
UNCERTAINTY IS GREY (e.g., a grey area), AGEING IS BECOMING GREY (e.g., greying hair).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'greys' correctly in a British English context?