What does hue mean?
A hue is a particular color, shade, or tint, such as the gray hue of an overcast sky or the warm hues of autumn leaves. The word is often slightly more literary or precise than color, suggesting a specific shade or quality rather than simply a color name. Hue can also refer figuratively to a characteristic character or atmosphere: a policy may introduce a new hue to an organization, or a city may possess a distinctly coastal hue. In everyday use, it is especially common in descriptions of visual appearance, color schemes, light, paint, fabric, and natural landscapes. Its usefulness lies in capturing subtle distinctions of color and suggesting broader differences in style or identity.
nounA particular color or shade, especially one considered as a quality distinguishing one thing from another. By extension, it can refer to a general character, type, or appearance.
- A particular color, shade, or tint.
- A characteristic quality or general appearance, especially of a person, place, or period.
"The sky changed from a deep blue hue to pale gray as the storm approached."
"She chose fabrics in warm hues of rust and gold."
"The policy introduced a new hue to the party's traditional political identity."
The plural is used for distinct colors, shades, tints, or figurative characteristics.
"The mural blends several earthy hues."
A hue is more than a color: it is the particular shade, tint, or character that makes one color feel different from another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hue come from?
The English word hue developed from Middle English usage and was borrowed from Old French hue, meaning color or complexion. In its early English senses, it referred to appearance or form as well as color, a range of meaning that survives in modern figurative uses. The word is now most often encountered with individual shades, while expressions such as hue and cry preserve an older idiom in which hue means character or appearance.
Related word forms
How hue is actually used
In its ordinary sense, hue is slightly more formal or literary than color. The figurative sense is common in writing about style, character, political outlook, or historical atmosphere.
Easily confused with hue
A hue is a color or shade, whereas hew means to cut, shape, or form something by cutting.