What does tricolored mean?
Tricolored is an adjective meaning that something has or displays three distinct colors. Its most characteristic use is for flags, emblems, banners, garments, ribbons, and other objects whose design depends on a three-color arrangement. The word is particularly associated with national and regional flags that divide their colors into prominent bands, although it can describe any object featuring three colors. It is more informative than colorful, which suggests a variety of hues without specifying their number, and it differs from multicolored, which may imply many colors rather than exactly three. In American English the usual form is tricolored; British English generally uses tricoloured, and both forms can serve as adjectives. Tricolored also has a descriptive quality that makes it useful in reporting, historical writing, design commentary, and vivid descriptions of ceremonial or decorative objects.
adjectiveHaving or displaying three distinct colors, especially in a flag, emblem, garment, or decoration.
- Having or displaying three distinct colors, especially in a flag, emblem, garment, or decoration.
"A tricolored ribbon streamed from the mast of the small boat."
"A tricolored ribbon streamed from the mast of the small boat."
"The museum displayed a tricolored banner beneath a framed map."
Three colors, one precise word: tricolored captures the distinctive visual character of flags, emblems, and decorations without merely calling them colorful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tricolored
Tricolored is formed from the combining form tri-, meaning “three,” and colored, with the suffix -ed expressing the sense “having” the stated quality. The tri- element belongs to the Latin and Greek combining-form tradition for three, while colored ultimately derives from Latin color. Close relatives include tricolor and tricolour; words such as trinity and triple belong to the same broader family associated with threefoldness.
How tricolored is actually used
Normally used attributively or predicatively and especially common in descriptions of flags, emblems, clothing, and decorations. It is more exact than colorful and indicates three colors rather than an unspecified or numerous range.
Easily confused with tricolored
Tricoloured is the British spelling of the same adjective, while tricolored is the usual American spelling.
Tricolored is normally an adjective describing something with three colors, whereas tricolor can be a noun for a three-colored flag or design.