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Synonyms

local color

American  

noun

  1. distinctive, sometimes picturesque characteristics or peculiarities of a place or period as represented in literature or drama, or as observed in reality.

  2. Fine Arts. the natural color of a particular object as it appears in normal light.


Etymology

Origin of local color

First recorded in 1715–25


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Hughes also predicted that global diets will become more uniform, since the loss of agricultural and livestock variety will lead to a loss of local color in diets.

From Salon ● May 4, 2023

The plot strains credulity less than many procedural series do — and they all do — and the production aims for realistic local color.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2022

Vividly filmed with vibrant local color and nonprofessional actors, it movingly captures a clandestine sisterhood in a male-controlled society.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 10, 2021

Heat-Moon visited small towns like Subtle, Ky., and Scratch Ankle, Alaska, absorbing local color and wisdom.

From New York Times ● Jul. 28, 2020

They’re tourists, from Japan it looks like, a trade delegation perhaps, on a tour of the historic landmarks or out for local color.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

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