hue

noun

ˈhyü How to pronounce hue (audio)
Synonyms of hue
1
: overall character or appearance to the mind : complexion, aspect
… political parties of every hue …—Louis Wasserman
2
a
: color
all the hues of the rainbow
b
: gradation of color
… the hues and shades of twilight …—Colin Clark
c
: the attribute of colors that permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors
red with an orange hue
compare brightness sense 2, lightness sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms of hue

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Examples of hue in a Sentence

We decorated the room in hues of blue and green. decorated the room in hues of blue and green
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.
The vibrant floral motifs and creamy white hue ooze sophistication, while the dainty size is perfect for carrying your phone, keys, lipstick, and wallet. — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026 Heading a bit farther north (40 minutes by car) to the Pachaug State Forest will afford even more chances to soak in a bevy of autumnal hues. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Furnishings made of natural materials and in neutral hues further the calming, immersive feel. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 Since the jury began deliberating last Thursday, the number of spectators has dwindled, leaving the courtroom gallery filled primarily with journalists and a handful of Clancy supporters, some donning their signature pink hue. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hue

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hewe, from Old English hīw; akin to Old Norse hȳ plant down, Goth hiwi form

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hue was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing hue

Rhymes for hue

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Browse Nearby Words

Hudson Strait
hue
Hue
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Cite this Entry

“Hue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hue. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hue

noun
ˈhyü How to pronounce hue (audio)
1
: color sense 1
2
: a particular variety of a color : shade
3
: an aspect of colors that allows them to be identified as red, yellow, green, blue, or something between any two of these colors

Medical Definition

hue

noun
ˈhyü How to pronounce hue (audio)
: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception that permits them to be classified as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate between any contiguous pair of these colors and that is correlated with the wavelength or the combination of wavelengths comprising the stimulus compare brightness, saturation sense 4a

Geographical Definition

Hue

geographical name

ˈ(h)wā How to pronounce Hue (audio)
hü-ˈā, 
hyü-ˈā
variants or French Hué
city and port in central Vietnam; formerly capital of Annam

More from Merriam-Webster on hue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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