black

black · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Of the very darkest color owing to the absence of light.

  2. 2.

    Relating to people of African ancestry.

  3. 3.

    Dark and gloomy; full of anger or sadness.

  4. 4.

    (Of coffee or tea) Without milk.

  5. 5.

    Involving tragedy or misfortune.

  6. 6.

    The darkest color.

  7. 7.

    A Black person.

  8. 8.

    Make black; darken.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in black and white — In writing; clearly.
  • •
    black and blue — Bruised.
  • •
    black sheep — A disreputable family member.
  • •
    black out — Lose consciousness; darken.
  • •
    black market — Illegal trade.
  • •
    in the black — Financially profitable.
  • •
    black eye — A bruise around the eye.
  • •
    blacklist — A list of people to avoid or ban.
  • •
    black tie — Formal evening dress.

Related words

Antonyms: light, white
See also: color, dark, white
Synonyms: dark, ebony, jet

Etymology

From Old English blæc ("black, dark"), from Proto-Germanic blakaz ("burned").