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

"Fresh snow on the mountains, autumn colours along the shoreline and even some amazing wildlife," Rosmarin, his voice brimming with excitement, told followers in a video posted several weeks ago.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

The colours are all on their spots – a regular training programme usually dispatched with ease for a man of his talent.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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

The colours are created by very small dust particles - no bigger than a grain of sand - interacting with the particles and ions in Earth's atmosphere.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Good heavens, it looked like just a splodge of colours and all along it was a kangaroo in football boots having a sandwich!

From "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Author