ENGLISH
REFERENCE

colorful

adj.
US //ˈkəɫɝfəɫ// col·or·ful
  1. 1 having many colors (adj.)
    A1 Beginner American English

    having many different bright colors.

    possessing a variety of vivid or prominent colors.

    Example

    The garden was full of colorful flowers like red roses and yellow tulips.

    Example

    The festival participants wore colorful traditional costumes that stood out against the grey stone of the old city square.
  2. 2 interesting or exciting (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    interesting, exciting, or full of variety.

    characterised by being interesting, multifaceted, or distinctive in nature.

    Example

    My grandfather told us many colorful stories about his life as a sailor.

    Example

    The biography details the colorful career of the diplomat, who served in over a dozen countries during the height of the Cold War.
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  1. 3 rude or profane (adj.)
    C1 Advanced American English Humorous

    a polite way to say that someone is using swear words or rude language.

    used euphemistically to describe language that is profane, obscene, or otherwise offensive.

    Example

    The coach used some colorful language when the referee made a bad decision.

    Example

    The editor had to remove some of the author's more colorful language to ensure the memoir was suitable for a general audience.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the phrase 'colorful language'.
Origin

From color + -ful.

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