colorful
/ˈkʌl.ə.fl̩/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Possessing prominent and varied colors.
AdjectiveRegister: US
Examples
It was a colourful vase with red and white hoops on the lid, and red bands above and below the main frieze. These bands also carry a metope pattern in white of triple lines and blobs, which can just be distinguished on the photographs.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Interesting, multifaceted, energetic, distinctive.
AdjectiveRegister: US
Examples
One of the most colourful people in motor racing, he writes in a colourful manner.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “colorful” mean?
Possessing prominent and varied colors.
Is “colorful” formal or informal?
colorful is generally US.