What does multicolour mean?
Multicolour is an adjective meaning that something has many different colours. It is used for objects, patterns, surfaces, displays, and processes whose colours are deliberately varied, such as a multicolour mosaic or a multicolour print. The word is especially common in British English, while American English normally uses the spelling multicolor. Compared with colourful, multicolour tends to be more precise and descriptive, often appearing in design, printing, textile, and technical discussions; colourful may carry stronger associations with brightness, celebration, or visual appeal. Multicolour does not necessarily imply vivid colours, since it can also describe muted combinations. It is useful where the important distinction is the presence of several colours rather than subjective attractiveness. The related term polychrome is especially associated with art and decorative objects. The compound is straightforward in origin, combining the prefix meaning many with colour, and its compact form suits formal descriptions of varied visual design.
adjectiveHaving, using, or consisting of many different colours.
- Having, using, or consisting of many different colours.
"A multicolour mosaic fills the entrance hall of the museum."
"The label is printed in multicolour so that its categories are easy to distinguish."
"The museum restored a multicolour tilework panel from the eighteenth century."
Multicolour literally means “many-coloured”: multi- supplies “many,” while colour names the visual range.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multicolour come from?
The English adjective was formed by combining multi- and colour. The prefix multi- comes from Latin multus, meaning “many,” while colour entered English from Old French and ultimately derives from Latin color. The corresponding American form, multicolor, replaces the British spelling colour with the native American spelling color.
Related word forms
How multicolour is actually used
Chiefly used in British English; American English normally spells it multicolor. It is often more precise or descriptive than colourful, particularly in design, printing, textile, and technical contexts.
Easily confused with multicolour
In American English the standard spelling is multicolor; multicolour is the corresponding British spelling.
Colourful is the usual broad adjective and may suggest brightness or visual appeal, whereas multicolour specifically emphasizes the presence of several different colours.