yellow
/ˈjɛloʊ/
NOUN
1. The color yellow
A color resembling that of gold, butter, or lemons, commonly associated with sunlight and bright golden hues.
1.1. A color or shade
Refers to the color itself, including shades ranging from pale cream-yellow to deep golden yellow.
Synonyms
- amber
- gold
- saffron
- xanthous
Examples
- The artist used yellow to bring warmth and brightness to the painting.
- The room was decorated in shades of yellow and cream.
Related Words
- hue
- pigment
- golden
- lemon
- spectrum
NOUN
2. A yellow traffic signal
The intermediate light in a traffic signal that warns drivers that the signal is changing and they should prepare to stop if it is safe.
2.1. Amber traffic light
Refers to the yellow or amber light displayed between green and red at a traffic intersection, signaling caution and an impending change to red.
Synonyms
- amber
Examples
- The driver slowed down when the yellow changed to red.
Related Words
- traffic light
- signal
- intersection
- caution
- red light
- green light
ADJECTIVE
3. Having a yellow color
Having a color resembling gold, butter, or a lemon.
3.1. Objects and natural colors
Describes objects, plants, flowers, or other things that display a yellow or golden color.
Synonyms
- amber
- golden
- saffron
- xanthous
- blond
- buff
Examples
- The garden was filled with bright yellow daffodils.
- She wore a yellow dress that stood out in the crowd.
Related Words
- lemon
- butter
- sunshine
- daffodil
- gold
ADJECTIVE
4. Lacking courage
Showing fear or a lack of bravery, especially when facing danger, difficulty, or a challenging situation.
4.1. Cowardly or timid behavior
Describes someone who is unwilling to face danger or difficulty because of fear, or who lacks the courage to act decisively.
Synonyms
- cowardly
- afraid
- fearful
- frightened
- timid
- timorous
- craven
- fainthearted
- gutless
- spineless
- chickenhearted
- pusillanimous
Antonyms
Examples
- He was called yellow for refusing to stand up to the bully.
- She accused him of being yellow because he abandoned his friends when danger appeared.
Related Words
- cowardice
- fear
- apprehension
- nervousness
- hesitation
- trepidation
VERB
5. To become yellow
To change in color so that something becomes yellow or more yellow than before.
5.1. Changing to a yellow color
Describes a natural or gradual color change in which an object, surface, or material develops a yellow appearance.
Synonyms
- turn yellow
- become yellow
Antonyms
- whiten
- bleach
Examples
- The pages began to yellow with age.
- The leaves yellowed as autumn approached.
Related Words
- discolor
- yellowing
- aging
- oxidation
- fading
VERB
6. To make something yellow
To cause something to acquire a yellow color or become more yellow.
6.1. Causing yellow discoloration
Describes the action of making an object, material, or surface yellow through exposure, treatment, or the application of color.
Synonyms
- color
- tint
- stain
Antonyms
- whiten
- bleach
Examples
- Years of exposure to sunlight yellowed the old photographs.
Related Words
- pigment
- dye
- discoloration
- staining
- yellowing