coloring

1 of 2

noun

col·​or·​ing ˈkə-lə-riŋ How to pronounce coloring (audio)
Synonyms of coloringnext
1
a
: the act of applying colors
b
: something that produces color or color effects
c(1)
: the effect produced by applying or combining colors
(2)
: natural color
(3)
: complexion, coloration
d
: change of appearance (as by adding color)
2
: influence, bias
3
: color sense 8
4
: timbre, quality

coloring

2 of 2

present participle of color entry 2

Synonyms of coloring

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Noun

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Examples of coloring in a Sentence

Noun Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring. Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring. She added some blue food coloring to the icing. This scarf will look great with your coloring. He has very light coloring.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The lawsuit further alleged that Trader Joe’s put its crustless PB&Js peanut in packaging that too closely resembled the coloring of an Uncrustables box and featured a similar photograph of a sandwich with a bite taken out of one side. — Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Participants will apply traditional Japanese colors to ultra-thin, nearly translucent silk, painting not only from the front but also experimenting with urazaishiki, or reverse-side coloring, as well as delicate gradation techniques. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The post in question shows the singer staring down the camera in a fuzzy black jacket, the coloring of the photo tinted bright red. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 Caramel coloring is allowed as long as it’s disclosed on the label. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coloring

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of coloring was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing coloring

Browse Nearby Words

color in
coloring
coloring book
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Cite this Entry

“Coloring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coloring. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coloring

noun
col·​or·​ing ˈkəl-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce coloring (audio)
1
: the act of applying colors
2
: something that produces color
food coloring
3
: the effect produced by applying or combining colors
4
: complexion sense 1, coloration
5
: change of appearance (as by adding color)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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