black
Being the darkest color, like the night when there is no light.
Having the color that is the darkest, resulting from the complete absorption of light and reflecting none.
The darkest color, made when there is no light.
The color resulting from the complete absorption of light, without reflection; the opposite of white.
Describing a person with dark skin, especially from Africa or with African family history.
Relating to or describing people with dark skin, especially of African heritage.
Connected with feeling sad or remembering someone who died.
Associated with sadness, mourning, or tragedy.
To change something so its color becomes black.
To make something become black in color, either by painting, burning, or staining it.
- Base: black
- Comparative: blacker
- Superlative: blackest
- Base: black
- Plural: black, blacks
- Base: black
- 3rd Person Singular: blacks
- Present Participle: blacking
- Past: blacked
black and white
1Only two opposite colors present
Only using the colors black and white, with no other colors.
- The old movie was filmed in black and white.
- She prefers black-and-white photography for its classic look.
black market
1Illegal trade system for goods/services
A place or system where people buy and sell things illegally.
- They bought foreign currency on the black market.
- The police are cracking down on the black market for stolen electronics.
black out
1Lose consciousness or memory suddenly
To suddenly faint or not remember what happened for a short time.
- He blacked out after hitting his head on the doorframe.
- She sometimes blacks out when she stands up too quickly.
in the black
1Financially profitable or solvent
Having more money than you owe; making a profit.
- After a tough year, the company is finally in the black again.
- Small businesses struggle to stay in the black during economic downturns.
black sheep (of the family)
1Family member who is an outcast or disgrace
A person who is very different from others in their family and seen as bad or causing shame.
- He's always been the black sheep of the family because he refused to join the family business.
- In school, she felt like the black sheep among her classmates.
black sheep (of the family)
2Outcast or disreputable family member
A person in a family or group who is different in a bad way or causes shame.
- He's the black sheep of the family because he refuses to work.
- She felt like the black sheep among her friends.