colours

British  

/ ˈkʌləz /

plural noun

1. 1. the flag that indicates nationality

   2. military the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the colours

2. a pair of silk flags borne by a military unit, esp British, comprising the Queen's Colour showing the unit's crest, and the Regimental Colour showing the crest and battle honours

3. true nature or character (esp in the phrase show one's colours )

4. a distinguishing badge or flag, as of an academic institution

5. sport a badge or other symbol denoting membership of a team, esp at a school or college

6. informal a distinguishing embroidered patch denoting membership of a motorcycle gang

7. 1. to refuse to admit defeat

   2. to declare openly one's opinions or allegiances

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Example Sentences

A Club World Cup is in the pipeline for 2028, bringing global stars up against each other in club colours.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Her style, she explains, pares food down to its essentials, and she rarely uses more than three colours to aid wearability.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Standing alongside China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, dancers in the countries' respective national colours performed a routine symbolising the handover of gas from one to another.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

"During this campaign, he showed his true colours; he has a personality that's close to the people, that’s his true nature," one of his allies said.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Her image flickered through a spectrum of colours.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan