10 Rare color words that describe rainbows/multiple colors

Written by Andruid

2 min read

Published January 21, 2023

Updated June 12, 2025

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Ideas & Lists, Storytelling, Writing

Learn 10 terms that describe rainbows or multiple colors.

Want the perfect word to describe something rainbow-hued or color-shifting? 🌈

As a bonus for supporters, I’ve rounded up 10 rare and evocative color terms that go beyond “multicolored.” These words are great for adding a bit of shimmer, shine, or storybook magic to your writing.

In this short post, you’ll discover:

Words that describe shifting or layered colors
Origins and meanings to help you use them well
A few surprises that aren’t just “iridescent” in disguise

Great for fantasy writers, roleplayers, or anyone who likes their color palettes with a twist.

As a little bonus for supporters of the blog, I put together this list of 10 rare color words. Unlike the terms in my post on Rare colors, these words all describe rainbows or things that have more than one color.

I tried to choose a variety of words more interesting than bicolored, tricolored, and multi-hued. As usual, I included etymology hints and links to external resources, in case you'd like to learn more about the terms and their origins.

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