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

Some wore Iranian flags around their shoulders while a number of kids had the colours of the flag painted on their faces.

From Barron's • Jun. 21, 2026

"It's a review that some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colours."

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

Dressed head to toe in Iran's colours, he says the players are not political.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

Australia-born Ryan Williams did exactly that and quickly demonstrated his value with an impressive start in Indian colours.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

They were almost exactly like the bubbles we ourselves blow from soapy water, except that these had even brighter and more beautiful colours swimming on their surfaces.

From "The BFG" by Roald Dahl