grey
gray
Also spelled gray (US spelling)
Grey (adj) means the color between black and white, as of storm clouds or ash; the standard British/Commonwealth spelling of "gray.". Example: “The sky turned grey just before the rain started.”
adj
1
The color between black and white, as of storm clouds or ash; the standard British/Commonwealth spelling of "gray."
"The sky turned grey just before the rain started."
"He wore a smart grey suit to the interview."
"She tied a grey scarf around her neck before stepping out into the fog."
noun
1
The color itself.
"The room was painted entirely in shades of grey."
"I prefer a soft grey for the bedroom walls because it feels calm."
"The painter mixed black and white to make a pale grey."
verb
1
To become grey, especially of hair.
"His hair began to grey around the temples in his forties."
"My father's beard has started to grey, and he says it makes him look wise."
"Some people grey early, while others keep their natural colour for many years."
How to use grey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe color grey — this spelling is standard in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and most Commonwealth countries.
UK vs US
"Grey" is standard in British English; American English generally prefers "gray." Both are pronounced the same and mean the same thing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
grey hair
grey area
grey sky
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Word forms
- Plural
- greys
- Third person singular
- greys
- Past tense
- greyed
- Comparative
- greyer, more grey
- Superlative
- greyest, most grey
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sky turned _____ just before the rain started.
Etymology
From Old English grēg. The "grey" spelling comes from an older dialect form, while "gray" (the usual American spelling) comes from a slightly different Old English form — both mean the same thing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for grey
See all rhymes for grey →Frequently asked questions
What does “grey” mean?
The word “grey” means the color between black and white, as of storm clouds or ash; the standard British/Commonwealth spelling of "gray.". In plain terms, the color grey — this spelling is standard in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and most Commonwealth countries.
How do you pronounce “grey”?
“Grey” is pronounced gray (/ɡɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “grey” in a sentence?
Here is “grey” used in a sentence: “The sky turned grey just before the rain started.”
What part of speech is “grey”?
Depending on how it is used, “grey” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grey” come from?
The word “grey” comes from Old English. From Old English grēg. The "grey" spelling comes from an older dialect form, while "gray" (the usual American spelling) comes from a slightly different Old English form — both mean the same thing.
Is “grey” a common word?
“Grey” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “grey” have?
“Grey” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the color between black and white, as of storm clouds or ash; the standard British/Commonwealth spelling of "gray.".
What is the difference between grey and gray?
There is no difference in meaning — both spellings refer to the same colour between black and white. The distinction is regional: grey is standard in British and Commonwealth English, while gray is the usual American spelling. A handy memory aid is that grey has an E for England and gray has an A for America.
Is it spelled grey or gray?
Both are correct; it depends on your audience. Use grey if you are writing in British, Australian, Canadian, or other Commonwealth English, and gray if you are writing for an American readership. Whichever you choose, stay consistent throughout a piece of writing rather than switching between the two spellings partway through.
What colours make grey?
Grey is created by mixing black and white, with more white giving a lighter grey and more black a darker, charcoal shade. It can also be produced by combining complementary colours — such as blue and orange, or red and green — which cancel each other out. A hint of colour makes 'warm' or 'cool' greys.
What does the colour grey symbolise?
Grey often suggests neutrality, balance, and compromise — hence the phrase a 'grey area' for something unclear. It can also carry cooler associations of dullness, gloom, or ageing, as in storm clouds or grey hair. In design it reads as calm, professional, and understated, which is why it is popular in business and technology.
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