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colours

British  
/ ˈkʌləz /

plural noun

    1. the flag that indicates nationality

    2. military the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the colours

  1. 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

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

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

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

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

    1. to refuse to admit defeat

    2. to declare openly one's opinions or allegiances

"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

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

On the eve of this game in the Kadikoy neighbourhood of Istanbul, Kuyt spoke passionately about how Fenerbahce had the opportunity to show Europe their true colours.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026

Wales also caught a glimpse of the show, with bright colours stretching across the sky in Dolgellau, Gwynedd.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

She also offers classes in darning using contrasting vibrant colours that celebrate, rather than disguise, the repair.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

There was a stunning display of autumnal colours in 2025 after a warm and sunny summer, but how will this year's heat affect the seasonal display?

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

Pegasus’s wings were the colours of an eagle’s - gold, white, brown and rust - which made him look much more handsome and regal than plain white.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

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