What does coloring mean?
Coloring has two principal meanings. As a noun, it refers to the characteristic arrangement or quality of colors on a person, animal, or thing — for instance, the protective coloring that allows a moth to vanish against tree bark, or the fair coloring inherited from one's parents. It can also refer to substances added to food or other materials to change their hue, such as food coloring. As a gerund or present participle of the verb 'to color', it describes the act of applying pigment to a surface: children's coloring books have been a staple of childhood for over a century, and in recent years adult coloring has become popular as a meditative, stress-relieving pastime. Derived from Latin via Old French, the word carries no strong connotation on its own — its tone depends entirely on context, ranging from scientific description of animal coloration to cozy domestic leisure.
The pattern or quality of colors characteristic of a person, animal, plant, or thing; also a substance used to add color, as in food coloring.
"The butterfly's vivid coloring warns predators that it is toxic."
The act of adding color to something, especially filling in outlines in a drawing or picture with crayons, pencils, or paints.
"He spent the rainy afternoon coloring with his daughter."
The word 'camouflage' may be French, but nature's protective coloring was described by Darwin himself as a key to survival.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coloring
Coloring derives from the verb 'color', which came into Middle English from Old French 'colourer' (modern French 'colorer'), ultimately from Latin 'colorare', meaning 'to color or stain', itself formed from the noun 'color'. The spelling 'coloring' reflects American English conventions, which dropped the 'u' retained in British 'colouring'. Related words sharing this Latin root include 'coloration', 'discolor', and 'polychrome'.
Related word forms
How coloring is actually used
As a verb form, 'coloring' is the present participle and gerund of the verb 'to color'. The noun sense relating to pigmentation is common in descriptions of animals and people; the gerund sense is especially associated with children's activities and, since the 2010s, adult coloring books as a relaxation trend. In British English, 'colouring' is the standard spelling.
Easily confused with coloring
Collaring refers to fitting an animal or person with a collar, while coloring refers to coloration or the act of applying color.