having many different bright colors
The garden was full of colorful tulips in spring.
They released a bunch of colorful balloons into the sky.
having many bright and different colors
The parade floats were colorful and sparkled in the afternoon sun.
She painted a colorful butterfly on the poster for art class.
✦ formed from color +-ful in early 19th-century American English
lively, interesting, or full of variety
Grandpa told a colorful story of sailing around the world.
The market is a colorful place full of music and laughter.
✦ figurative sense recorded from late 19th century, extending literal idea of bright colors to lively character
interesting, lively, and full of variety
She has led a colorful life, traveling to over fifty countries.
New Orleans is known for its colorful festivals and music.
containing rude, offensive, or strong language
After missing the bus, he muttered some colorful remarks under his breath.
The comedian’s routine was too colorful for the school audience.
✦ humorous euphemism from early 20th century, comparing vivid language to bright colors
containing rude or offensive words
The angry fan shouted colorful insults at the referee.
Her texts to the contractor became quite colorful after the third delay.
