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

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

Even Marcus Smith's personalised boots – featuring Quins' diamonds in the colours of England and the Philippines, Baybayin calligraphy and Jasmine blossom – couldn't distract from his team's troubles.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

As they approach Earth, they interact with gases in the atmosphere, creating the colours we see in the night sky.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

It is like knowing about secondary colours as well as primary colours.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd