What does bicoloured mean?
Bicoloured is an adjective describing something that displays two different colours, whether in sharply divided blocks, a gradient, or an intricate pattern. It is the standard British spelling, while American English generally prefers 'bicolored'; both derive from Latin roots meaning 'two colours'. The word appears most often in natural-history writing — botanists describe bicoloured petals, ornithologists note bicoloured bills — but it applies equally to flags, clothing, animals, and graphic design. It carries a neutral, descriptive tone and sits comfortably in both technical and everyday prose. Related terms such as 'two-toned' and 'tricolour' show how English builds precise colour vocabulary from Latin elements, making bicoloured a useful word whenever exactness about appearance matters.
adjectiveHaving two different colours; marked or patterned in two colours.
- Having two different colours; marked or patterned in two colours.
"The bicoloured petals of the orchid made it a striking addition to the greenhouse."
"The bicoloured rose opens deep red on the inside and pale cream beneath."
"A bicoloured cat sat on the windowsill, its coat split neatly into black and white."
From the Latin 'bi-' plus 'color', bicoloured is the word botanists reach for when a single flower can't make up its mind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bicoloured
Bicoloured derives from the Latin prefix 'bi-', meaning 'two', combined with 'color' ('colour'), entering English through French influence as a learned formation alongside words like 'bilateral' and 'bicameral'. The spelling with '-ou-' reflects British convention, while the American form 'bicolored' drops it. Cognates include 'tricolour' and the scientific species epithet 'bicolor', widely used in taxonomy.
Related word forms
How bicoloured is actually used
Chiefly British spelling; American English typically uses 'bicolored'. Common in botanical and ornithological descriptions, where it carries a slightly technical register.
Easily confused with bicoloured
Bifocal refers to lenses with two distinct optical powers for near and far vision, whereas bicoloured simply describes something that has two colours.