Black is a color like night or coal. It is the darkest color because it does not have light. We use it to describe things with no color or very dark color.
She wore a black dress to the party.
The black night was very dark.
Black can describe people who come from African or African-American backgrounds. It is about race and identity. The word is used to talk about culture and heritage.
He is a famous black singer.
Many black people live in the city.
Black can mean the time of night when it is dark outside. It is often used to show complete darkness in the sky at nighttime.
It is cold in the black of night.
The stars shine in the black sky.
Black can mean someone who does not speak or share information. This meaning is rare and used in special or old contexts to show secrecy or silence.
He was a black in the group; he said nothing.
She kept the secret and played the black.
Black as a verb means to make things black or very dark. We often use it with fire or smoke that makes something dirty or dark.
They blacked the windows during the blackout.
Smoke blacked the walls after the fire.
Black can describe feelings or events that are sad, serious or unhappy. People use it to talk about hard or bad times.
It was a black day for the city.
He felt black thoughts after the loss.
Black means something secret or against the law, like selling things illegally. It is used to talk about hidden or forbidden activities.
They sold goods on the black market.
He earned money from a black job.
Black can describe things related to coal or materials that are dark and burn easily. It is often about materials that produce dark smoke or ashes.
The black coal burns hot and fast.
Black smoke came from the factory.
