- present participle of color.
coloring
AmericanUsage
Spelling tips for coloring The word coloring is hard to spell for two reasons. First, it can be tempting to use a double l or double r. Second, in British English, the word is spelled with a u (colouring), unlike in American English. How to spell coloring: When it comes to color, keep it simple. Too much color, and too many letters, is distracting. You don't need any extra letters, like a double l, double r, or u. Then, you add the suffix -ing to the base word color to form coloring.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of coloring
late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at color, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
She believes the coloring helps them camouflage among she-oak flowers, with which they are closely associated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026
“I asked her: ‘Do you think your past is coloring our therapy?’” she says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026
Jobs, goods and services have all but disappeared, with uncertainty coloring the future.
From Barron's ● Jul. 11, 2026
Their vivid blue coloring is a result of the microscopic scales on the backs of their wings, which reflect light.
From BBC ● May 8, 2026
No amount of calming coloring is going to get me in examdomination mode with Jonah smiling that smug smile from across the room.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
If the Renaissance had been known as the Resurrection, might we be more aware of the period’s metaphysical colorings?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025
The agency is also looking to “revoke authorization of synthetic food colorings, including those not in production, within the coming weeks,” the outlet specified.
From Salon ● Apr. 24, 2025
Examples that can be found around us include various amino acids, including monosodium glutamate, food proteins, enzymes, flavoring compounds, food colorings, and bioactive substances.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 12, 2024
“It sounds like ‘burglar,’ and I wanted a ferret with the traditional colorings with that burglar’s mask.”
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 5, 2024
It is faced with queer old Spanish tiles inserted at intervals in plain cement, the rich colorings of which give a quaintly exotic air to the fine white woodwork.
From Remodeled Farmhouses by Mary H. Northend
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