Definition of coloring

The word "coloring" has its roots in Old English. The verb "colaren" or "color" originally meant "to distill or extract a color" from a substance. This sense of the word comes from the Latin "colorare," meaning "to color" or "to dye." In the 14th century, the meaning of the word expanded to include the idea of adding color to something, such as painting or dyeing a fabric. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved to "coloring," and its meaning broadened to include the act of adding color to a design or a surface, often through artistic means. Today, the term "coloring" is commonly associated with adult coloring books and art therapy. Despite its evolution, the core meaning of the word remains rooted in its Old English and Latin origins.