1 A2 neutral
To apply colour to a printed or drawn outline using pencils, crayons, or other colouring tools.
"The children spent the afternoon colouring in pictures of animals."
separable
colour in
A2 neutral separable transitive
British English spelling of 'color in'; to fill a drawn outline with colour using pencils, crayons, or paint.
In plain English
To use coloured pencils or crayons to put colour inside a drawing.
What does "colour in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To add richness, depth, or detail to a story, argument, or description.
"The director coloured in the historical scenes with authentic period costumes."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Fully transparent: to apply colour inside a shape or drawing.
Actually means
To use coloured pencils or crayons to put colour inside a drawing.
Usage tip
'Colour in' is the British English spelling; 'color in' is American. Functionally identical. Used widely in education, children's activities, and illustration. Also used figuratively in British English journalism to mean adding richness or detail.
Words that pair with "colour in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
picture drawing map shape outline colouring book
How to conjugate "colour in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
colour in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
colours in
he/she/it
Past simple
coloured in
yesterday
Past participle
coloured in
have + pp
-ing form
colouring in
continuous
Hear "colour in" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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