black

Definitions

1. adjective

   The darkest color, like coal.

   Examples

   • The items around him were black.
   • She wore a black dress.
   ≈dark≈swart≠white≠light
2. adjective

   Without any light.

   Examples

   • The cave was black, with no light reaching it.
   • Everything inside the tunnel was black and silent.
   ≈dark≈gloomy≈blear≈caliginous≈cimmerian +32 more
3. adjective

   Of people with dark skin and African or other family roots.

   Examples

   • Many black families live in this town.
   • She is proud to be a black woman.
4. adjective

   Of people with African family roots.

   Examples

   • Her family came from a black community in West Africa.
   • The museum celebrated black inventors.
5. adjective

   In the past, set aside for black people only.

   Examples

   • There was a black drinking fountain.
   • The town had a black hospital.
6. adjective

   In cards, of the spades or clubs suits.

   Examples

   • I was dealt two red queens, and he got a black queen.
   • In this deck, the black suits are spades and clubs.
7. adjective

   Bad or evil.

   Examples

   • She was afraid of black magic.
   • That was a black day for the town.
8. adjective

   Angry or threatening.

   Examples

   • He shot her a black look.
   • He rode off in black discontent.
9. adjective

   Against the law, as in secret trade.

   Examples

   • Food was rationed and the black market flourished.
   • He made money selling goods on the black market.
10. adjective

    Dirty.

    Examples

    • His hands were black with grease.
    • The white shirt was black with coal dust.