What does colour mean?
Colour is the visual characteristic of objects that arises when light of different wavelengths is reflected, emitted, or transmitted to the eye, producing sensations we name as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, and so on. Beyond its literal meaning, the word extends naturally into figurative territory: a speaker may add 'colour' to a story, a writer may lend colour to dry prose, and someone who reveals their 'true colours' discloses their real character. It also denotes pigment — the paints, dyes, and inks used to tint surfaces — and, in its plural form, can mean a flag or regimental banner. Spelled 'colour' throughout Britain and most Commonwealth countries but 'color' in the United States, the word derives from Latin color via Old French. Richly polysemous and endlessly productive in compounds like colourful and discolour, it remains one of the most versatile words available for describing both physical appearance and expressive vitality.
The visual property of objects caused by the way they reflect or emit light at different wavelengths, perceived as hues such as red, blue, or green; also pigment or paint used to produce this effect.
"The artist mixed several colours on her palette before beginning the portrait."
In British English, 'colours' in the plural can also refer to flags, ensigns, or regimental banners, as in 'salute the colours'.
To add colour to something; to change or affect the appearance of something by applying pigments or dyes; also, figuratively, to influence or bias someone's opinion or judgment.
"Her childhood experiences coloured her views on education."
The figurative sense often carries a slightly negative implication of distortion or prejudice, as when evidence is said to be coloured by personal feelings.
Having or relating to colour, especially as opposed to black-and-white; often used attributively, as in a colour photograph or colour television.
"The magazine published striking colour photographs of the coastline."
As a modifier, 'colour' typically functions attributively rather than predicatively; one says 'a colour print' more commonly than 'this print is colour'.
The standard plural follows regular English patterns. In the plural, 'colours' can take on additional meanings beyond multiple hues, including flags or standards (as in naval or military usage) and a person's true nature or allegiance, as in the idiom 'to show one's true colours'.
"The autumn landscape burst into rich colours as October drew to a close."
Isaac Newton split white light through a prism in 1666 and gave us the idea that colour isn't in objects at all — it's in our heads.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of colour
The word 'colour' entered Middle English from Old French 'colour', which itself came from Latin 'color', meaning hue or complexion. The ultimate root lies in the Proto-Indo-European base *kel-, associated with covering and concealing, which also gives us related words through other descendants. English adopted the term around the thirteenth century, and the modern '-our' spelling reflects French influence, later simplified to '-or' in American English under Noah Webster's reforms. Cognates include Old Spanish 'color' and Italian 'colore', all tracing back to the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How colour is actually used
'Colour' is the standard British, Irish, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand spelling, while American English uses 'color'. The word is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When referring to skin tone or ethnicity, use the term thoughtfully and contextually, as it can carry sensitive connotations. In figurative uses — 'a story with plenty of local colour' — the word carries a positive connotation of vividness and interest.
Easily confused with colour
'Colour' is simply the British/Commonwealth spelling of 'color'; they are the same word, with no difference in meaning.