What does tricolour mean?
Tricolour is a chiefly British word for a flag or emblem divided into three colours, and also an adjective meaning three-coloured. In its most familiar use, it names the vertical blue, white, and red flag of France, although other national flags and historical banners have the same three-part design. The word can carry strong political and cultural associations because flags function as public symbols of states, movements, and collective identities. It is especially useful when precision matters: “three-coloured flag” describes an appearance, while “tricolour” may imply a recognizable banner and its history. The noun is commonly used attributively, as in “tricolour flag,” and the related form “tricoloured” can describe a flag, ribbon, or decoration with three colours. American English usually spells the word “tricolor,” while British and Commonwealth usage commonly retains the added “u.” Beyond spelling, the term remains valuable for describing a simple visual arrangement and for discussing the national symbolism of flags.
A flag, banner, or emblem divided into three colours.
"The tricolour hung above the entrance to the hall."
The term often refers to the French flag or to another flag with a similar three-colour design.
Having or consisting of three colours.
"The chamber was decorated with a tricolour display of red, white, and blue."
It is used mainly before a noun, such as “tricolour flag” or “tricolour ribbon.”
The plural is used when referring to more than one flag or emblem; the attributive form normally remains uninflected.
"The exhibition includes tricolours from several European countries."
France's instantly recognizable blue, white, and red flag is literally a tricolour: a banner in three colours.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tricolour come from?
The English word comes from French tricolore, originally meaning “three-coloured” and used for flags. The French word derives from Latin tricolor, formed from tri- meaning “three” and color meaning “colour.” Its strong modern association with the French national flag dates from the French Revolution, when the blue, white, and red tricolour became France's national flag in 1794.
Related word forms
How tricolour is actually used
The noun usually refers to a flag and is commonly used attributively, as in “tricolour flag.” In political contexts, it may evoke national identity, revolution, or historical allegiance.
Easily confused with tricolour
Tricolour is the standard British spelling, whereas tricolor is the standard spelling in American English.