Yellow

/ˈjɛl.oʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a color or pigment of this hue.

The artist mixed yellow with blue to create a vibrant green.

a yellow object or item.

She picked up a yellow from the bowl of fruit.

verb

to turn yellow or to cause to turn yellow.

The pages of the book began to yellow over time.

adjective

of the color between green and orange in the spectrum; colored like ripe lemons or butter.

The walls of the room were painted a bright yellow.

having a color like that of egg yolk.

She wore a stunning yellow dress that caught everyone's attention.

suggestive of cowardice or treachery.

He was accused of yellow journalism for sensationalizing the news.

Middle English, from Old English geolu, ġeolu; akin to Old High German gelb (German gelb) and Latin gallus (cock, rooster).

yellow-bellied

Cowardly or timid.

yellow card

A warning in various sports.

yellow journalism

Journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news.

yolk

The yellow part of an egg.

canary

A small yellow songbird.

sunflower

A tall yellow flower that resembles the sun.

To 'go yellow' means to act cowardly.

He really went yellow when it was time to confront the boss.

To 'yellow' can refer to someone who is acting timid or weak.

Don't yellow out now, we need to be brave.