Black
/blæk/
adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Idiom
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
Having the darkest color, due to the absence of or complete absorption of light.
/blæk/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Of the darkest color owing to the absence or complete absorption of light.
The sky was a deep black.
💡 Simply: The opposite of white.
More Examples
2
He wore a black suit.
How It's Used
General
"The cat is black."
Fashion
"She wore a black dress."
2
A member of any of the various peoples of Africa or of African descent.
/blæk/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
A person of Black African ancestry.
She is proud of her Black heritage.
💡 Simply: A person of African descent.
More Examples
2
Black history is important to learn.
How It's Used
Social Studies
"The Black community has a rich history."
Tip:Think of the diverse cultures and heritage.
Idioms & expressions
black market
An illegal trade in goods or services.
"They bought the drugs on the black market."
From Old English *blæc, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch blak and German blak.
The word 'black' has a long history, with its meaning evolving to encompass various contexts from color to ethnicity.
Memory tip
Think of a dark, empty space.
Practice
blakcblick
Usage
70%Spoken
85%Written