What does tricolor mean?
Tricolor means having three colors and, as a noun, names a flag or emblem whose design is divided into three colored sections. The word is especially associated with national flags, including the French tricolor, whose blue, white, and red bands are internationally recognizable. It can also describe any object or design that prominently uses three colors, such as a ribbon, badge, pattern, or marking. In American English, “tricolor” is the standard spelling; British English commonly prefers “tricolour,” although both forms are understood. As an adjective, tricolor is straightforward and largely neutral, though it often suggests bold, patriotic, ceremonial, or decorative use. As a noun, it can carry historical or political associations when it refers to the flag of a particular country. The word is therefore useful both for precise description and for discussing the symbolic role of multicolored flags.
A flag, banner, or emblem composed of three colors, especially a national flag with three colored bands.
"The French tricolor waved above the embassy."
The term is often used for the French flag and may carry national, historical, or political associations in that context.
Having, using, or consisting of three distinct colors.
"The winners wore shirts in a bold tricolor design."
Common in descriptions of flags, ribbons, patterns, badges, and other decorative or ceremonial objects.
The standard American plural is “tricolors”; British usage commonly has “tricolours.”
"The collection included flags from several countries and displayed the tricolors side by side."
Tricolor comes from Latin for “three-colored,” a description that now names one of the world’s most recognizable flags.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tricolor come from?
The word derives from Latin tricolor, literally “three-colored,” formed from tri-, meaning “three,” and color. Latin used tricolor for objects and designs containing three colors. The English word was adopted for three-colored objects and devices and became especially prominent in descriptions of flags and heraldry; related forms are found in languages such as French and Spanish.
Related word forms
How tricolor is actually used
The usual American spelling is “tricolor,” while British English often uses “tricolour.” The noun most commonly refers to a national or ceremonial flag, especially the French tricolor. As an adjective, the word is also common in descriptions of ribbons, designs, markings, and other objects using three colors.