black and white

¹

noun

1. black.

black-and-white

²

[blak-uhn-hwahyt, -wahyt]

adjective

1. displaying only black and white tones; without color, as a picture or chart.

   a black-and-white photograph.

2. partly black and partly white; made up of separate areas or design elements of black and white.

   black-and-white shoes.

3. of, relating to, or constituting a two-valued system, as of logic or morality; absolute.

   To those who think in black-and-white terms, a person must be either entirely good or entirely bad.

black-and-white

noun

1. 1. a photograph, picture, sketch, etc, in black, white, and shades of grey rather than in colour

   2. ( as modifier )

      black-and-white film

2. the neutral tones of black, white, and intermediate shades of grey Compare colour

3. 1. in print or writing

   2. in extremes

      he always saw things in black and white

Word History and Origins

Origin of black and white¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Idioms and Phrases

A monochromatic picture, drawing, television image, computer monitor, or film, as opposed to one using many colors, as in Photos in black and white fade less than those taken with color film . [Late 1800s]

Also, black or white . Involving a very clear distinction, without any gradations. For example, He tended to view everything as a black and white issue—it was either right or wrong—whereas his partner always found gray areas . This usage is based on the association of black with evil and white with virtue, which dates back at least 2,000 years. [Early 1800s] Also see gray area .

in black and white . Written down or in print, and therefore official. For example, The terms of our agreement were spelled out in black and white, so there should be no question about it . This term alludes to black ink or print on white paper. Shakespeare used it in Much Ado about Nothing (5:1). [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

The most delicate prints, mostly in black and white, are flattened between cardboard sheets to prevent curling.

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A vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the conflict in Gaza, Petro last month joined a protest in New York sporting a Palestinian keffiyeh, a traditional black and white scarf.

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Tributes have started to come in with hip hop star Tyler the Creator posting a black and white photo and Flavor Flav from Public Enemy calling him an icon.

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Tyler the Creator posted a black and white photograph of D'Angelo on X, while the Alchemist wrote simply "Man. Rest in peace D'Angelo."

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The case has sparked outrage across South Africa, exacerbating racial tensions between black and white people in the country.

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Related Words

• book 
• copy 
• edition 
• engraving 
• lettering 
• lithograph 
• magazine 
• newspaper 
• photograph 
• stamp 
• type 
• writing