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

---

Example Sentences

The iPod music player, at first available in metallic grey, quickly diversified into a whole spectrum of bright colours.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Suryavanshi doesn't just look promising - he looks preordained for India colours.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Branded "rhubarb and custard", Scotland wore a modern interpretation on the Earl of Rosebery's colours to round off Euro 2016 qualifying with a dominant 6-0 win over Gibraltar in Faro.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Skies across the UK were illuminated in the spectacular colours of the Northern Lights on Friday night.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

The dorado did a most extraordinary thing as it died: it began to flash all kinds of colours in rapid succession.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel