colours

/ ˈkʌləz /

plural noun

1. 1. the flag that indicates nationality
   2. military the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the colours
2. a pair of silk flags borne by a military unit, esp British, comprising the Queen's Colour showing the unit's crest, and the Regimental Colour showing the crest and battle honours
3. true nature or character (esp in the phrase show one's colours )
4. a distinguishing badge or flag, as of an academic institution
5. sport a badge or other symbol denoting membership of a team, esp at a school or college
6. informal.
   a distinguishing embroidered patch denoting membership of a motorcycle gang
7. nail one's colours to the mast
   1. to refuse to admit defeat
   2. to declare openly one's opinions or allegiances

Example Sentences

Police said the plotters had nicknamed the operation "green and yellow dagger", in reference to the colours of the Brazilian flag.

From BBC

Like the Barbie press tour last year, the cast have been method dressing - wearing colours similar to their character in the film.

From BBC

"This Russian veto is a disgrace and it shows to the world yet again Russia’s true colours," Lammy told the meeting in New York.

From BBC

Ms Chola poses in clothes that are a mix of vibrant colours, textures and styles.

From BBC

"We now understand how these stunning colours can evolve in wild animals through a simple dial-like 'molecular switch' that 'borrows' a detoxifying protein to serve a new function," Carneiro concludes.

From Science Daily