noun
watercolour
WAW-tuh-kuh-luh
Watercolour (noun) means a paint made with pigment that dissolves in water. Example: “She bought a small box of watercolours for the trip.”
noun
1
A paint made with pigment that dissolves in water.
"She bought a small box of watercolours for the trip."
"Watercolour dries quickly on thick paper."
"He mixed the watercolour with plenty of water for a pale wash."
2
A painting made using this kind of paint.
"The gallery has a watercolour of the harbour on show."
"She gave her aunt a watercolour of the cottage."
"A small watercolour hung above the fireplace."
verb
1
To paint using watercolours.
"She watercoloured the landscape in soft greens."
"He watercoloured the old mill from the far bank."
How to use watercolour
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPaint mixed with water, or a picture made with it.
When to use it
It is a standard word in everyday and artistic English.
Memory tip
In British English it is spelt watercolour, and watercolor is the mostly American spelling.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
watercolour painting
watercolour paper
watercolour artist
paint in watercolour
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She bought a small box of _____ for the trip.
Etymology
The word is formed in English from water and colour.
Synonyms
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aquarelle
Rhymes for watercolour
See all rhymes for watercolour →Frequently asked questions
What is a watercolour?
It is a paint made from pigment that dissolves in water, or a painting made with such paint.
Is watercolour spelt watercolor in America?
Yes, watercolor is the spelling used mostly in the US.
What is the difference between watercolour and oil paint?
Watercolour is thinned with water and dries quickly, while oil paint is mixed with oil and dries slowly.
What is the meaning of watercolour?
"watercolour" (noun) means a paint made with pigment that dissolves in water.
