black
black Lexical Profile
black Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of the very darkest color, resulting from the absence or complete absorption of visible light; resembling coal or the night sky.
"She wore a formal black dress to the evening concert."
Relating to or denoting human groups having dark-colored skin, especially of Sub-Saharan African or Australian Aboriginal ancestry (often capitalized).
"The museum launched a new exhibition celebrating Black history and art."
Served without milk, cream, or other whitening dairy additives (of coffee or tea).
"He always drinks a cup of strong black coffee with his breakfast."
Characterized by tragic events, deep gloom, or a morbidly cynical sense of humor.
"The playwright is famous for writing sharp, black comedies about modern society."
• noun
The darkest color or pigment, produced by the absence or complete absorption of light, or clothes of this color.
"The artist used bold strokes of black to outline the portrait."
A member of a dark-skinned group of peoples, especially a person of Sub-Saharan African ancestry (often capitalized).
"The census tracked demographic shifts among Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians in the metropolitan area."
A state of financial profitability or credit, originating from the traditional accounting practice of using black ink to record positive balances.
"After three years of careful restructuring, the company is finally back in the black."
The dark-colored pieces in board games such as chess, checkers, or backgammon, or the player controlling them.
"In chess, white always moves first, and black responds."
• verb
To make something black in color, especially by applying polish, dye, or soot.
"The cadets carefully blacked their boots before the morning inspection."
British To refuse to handle, work on, or trade with specific goods or companies as part of an industrial boycott.
"The dockworkers voted to black all cargo arriving from the disputed port."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to racial or ethnic identity, major style guides typically recommend capitalizing 'Black' as an adjective, though usage varies across publications and regions.
• Rhymes for black
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English blæc ('dark, ink'), ultimately derived from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to burn, gleam, or scorch,' referencing the color of charred wood or soot.