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

Many attendees stuck to a black and white theme, a classic colour combination that was favoured by Coco Chanel herself and also featured on Monday's runway.

From BBC

Notably, many of those in the group refer to themselves as “recovered doomers,” a term they use to describe “someone who realizes that not everything is black and white.”

From Salon

Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill agreed, saying it was "hard to pass judgement" until their party sees the legislation "in black and white".

From BBC

The scientists noted that flies can be attracted to animals due to factors like their smell, shape, movement, colour - as well as how they polarise light, which black and white stripes do.

From BBC

"Back in black and white," the AC/DC-themed banner screamed in the East Stand before the game.

From BBC

Related Words

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