Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

colorant

American  
[kuhl-er-uhnt] / ˈkʌl ər ənt /

noun

  1. something used as a coloring matter; pigment; dye.


colorant British  
/ ˈkʌlərənt /

noun

  1. any substance that imparts colour, such as a pigment, dye, or ink; colouring matter

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of colorant

1880–85; < French, present participle of colorer < Latin colōrāre to color. See color, -ant

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.

To get anywhere close to what Hewitt called blue M&M’s “cerulean” hue Mars must use about seven times the amount of colorant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

The latest initiative comes more than three decades after the colorant was barred from cosmetics and non-oral medications due to potentially causing cancer.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2025

The ultra-thin colorant is around two microns thick, and although less reflective, it's visibly blue and reflects UV well, possibly paving the way for new colorant methods.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2024

Months before the patent for its blue colorant was granted, a company called Wild Flavors in Kentucky patented a blue dye made by mixing jagua juice with juice from watermelons or other fruits.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 14, 2023

Between butter with colorant and the same without it, many consumers choose the one with colour.

From The Brain, A Decoded Enigma by Moisa, Dorin Teodor

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "colorant" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com