Grey

/ɡreɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A color belonging to the achromatic color of any lightness between the extremes of black and white.
The painting was filled with shades of grey.
A person or thing that is ambiguous, as in having both good and bad qualities.
In her story, the hero is painted in shades of grey rather than just good or evil.
verb
To make or become grey.
Her hair began to grey as she aged.
adjective
Of a color intermediate between black and white, as of ashes or an overcast sky.
The sky was a dull grey before the storm.
Having a color like that of smoke or ash; drab or dull.
She wore a grey sweater that matched her mood.
Indeterminate in quality; ambiguous or vague.
The issue was not black and white, but rather a grey area of ethics.

Etymology

Old English 'græg'

Common Phrases and Expressions

grey area
An ambiguous or unclear situation.
grey matter
The brain tissue, often used metaphorically to refer to intellectual capacity.
grey skies
Indicates a lack of sunlight, often associated with gloom.

Related Words

gray
An alternative spelling of 'grey', used primarily in American English.
grayscale
A range of shades of gray without distinct color.

Slang Meanings

Used to describe someone who is boring or lacking excitement.
He's such a grey character, never does anything fun.
In relation to fashion, refers to a neutral or bland outfit.
She wore a grey outfit to the party, blending in completely.