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
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.
Imagine squeezing a drop of food coloring into flowing water.
From Science Daily • May 14, 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
There’s a beautiful image that my uncle took of us at the kitchen table where I’m coloring.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
That said, the weakness in software stocks appears to be coloring Wall Street analysts’ forecasts.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026
Avery’s blond hair is down and bouncy, and her eyelashes are spiky with the brown mascara Celia once told her was better for her coloring than the black she “borrowed” from Aunt Jen.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
