coloring

American  

[kuhl-er-ing] / ˈkʌl ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or method of applying color.

2. appearance as to color.

   healthy coloring.

3. a substance used to color something.

   food coloring made from vegetable dyes.

4. aspect or tone.

   The ethical coloring of the story balanced the rawness of its language.

5. specious appearance; show.

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Usage

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

• noncoloring
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of coloring

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at color, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

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

This provides a consistent backdrop of pink foliage, allowing an insect with similar coloring to remain hidden from predators.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

The image invokes a children’s coloring book with darker undertones, blending various cartoon and drawing styles to depict Adam and Eve in paradise.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

He launched a similar inquiry into Kellogg’s, suggesting it had deceptively marketed its cereals, as if it were some scandalous secret that Froot Loops contain food coloring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

There was something sad about her—sitting so still with her legs against her chest, the moonlight coloring her hair silver.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Related Words

• complexion
• shading