Meaning & use
tricolor
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounAmerican
Having three colors, especially in bands or stripes, as on some national flags.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a tricolor flag. Not usually used after a verb.
Patterns
- tricolor flag
- tricolor design
The tricolor flag of France has blue, white, and red vertical stripes.
She wore a tricolor scarf to show support for the team.
The country adopted a new tricolor banner after independence.
nouncountableAmerican
A flag with three bands or blocks of different colors, especially the French flag.
Grammar: Countable: one tricolor, two tricolors. Often capitalized when referring to a specific national flag.
Patterns
- the French tricolor
- raise the tricolor
The French tricolor flew above the embassy.
Protesters waved the tricolor in the streets.
The tricolor is a symbol of the nation.
Common combinations
- tricolor flag
- The tricolor flag was raised at dawn.
- French tricolor
- The French tricolor is blue, white, and red.
- tricolor pattern
- The fabric had a tricolor pattern.
- wave the tricolor
- Fans waved the tricolor to cheer the team.
Synonyms and how they differ
- three-colored
- A literal description; 'tricolor' is more formal and often refers to flags.
Word family
- tricolored adjective
- Having three colors, especially of an animal's coat.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'tricolor' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The tricolor flag has three bands of color' correctly uses 'tricolor' as an adjective before a noun. The other options misuse the word or are nonsensical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tricolor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.