1 A2 neutral
To apply colour to a drawing or outline using pencils, crayons, or similar tools.
"The children were asked to color in the map of the United States with different shades."
separable
color in
A2 neutral separable transitive
American English spelling of 'colour in'; to fill a drawn outline with colour using pencils, crayons, or paint.
In plain English
To use crayons or coloured pencils to add colour inside the lines of a drawing.
What does "color in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To add vivid detail or richness to an account, story, or description.
"The biographer colored in the story with personal anecdotes from the subject's family."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Fully transparent: to add colour inside a shape or drawing.
Actually means
To use crayons or coloured pencils to add colour inside the lines of a drawing.
Usage tip
'Color in' is the American English spelling; 'colour in' is British. Both mean exactly the same thing. Very common in contexts involving children's art, educational activities, and illustration. Can also be used metaphorically for adding richness or detail.
Words that pair with "color in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
picture drawing map outline shape page
How to conjugate "color in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
color in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
colors in
he/she/it
Past simple
colored in
yesterday
Past participle
colored in
have + pp
-ing form
coloring in
continuous
Hear "color in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "color in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.