primary color

noun

1. Art. a color, as red, yellow, or blue, that in mixture yields other colors. Compare complementary color ( def 1 ), secondary color, tertiary color.
2. Optics. any of a set of monochromatic colors, as red, green, and blue, that are added to match or specify the chromaticity of a stimulus or sample.

primary color

1. Any of a group of colors from which all other colors can be made by mixing.
2. See more at additiveSee Note at color

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary color¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

And we learn that there are three primary colors — red, yellow and blue — from which all other colors can be mixed.

From Salon

But it’s not just the overabundance of a divisive primary color that makes the image so unnerving.

From Salon

Three crisp, sharp triangles in flat primary colors are edged in scalloped yellow.

From Los Angeles Times

Mitchell’s bold style — something he calls “modern funk” — is informed by Sottsass’ playful Memphis-Milano Design Group of the 1980s, which blended bold geometric shapes with the primary colors of Pop Art.

From Los Angeles Times

Dorji’s use of first-time or inexperienced actors results in a mixed bag of performances, but not to any disruptive degree: The primary color in his mosaic is a casual, even proud naivete.

From Los Angeles Times