1
black
/ˈblæk/
adjective
blacker;
blackest
blacker;
blackest
Learner's definition of BLACK
1
a
:
having the very dark color of coal or the night sky
b
:
very dark because there is no light
2
or
Black
:
of or relating to a race of people who have dark skin and who come originally from Africa
-
black people
-
black culture
◊ In the U.S., the term African-American is often preferred over black when referring to Americans of African descent.
4
:
served without cream or milk
6
a
:
very sad or hopeless
:
bleak
b
:
very tragic or unhappy
7
:
marked by anger or hatred
8
—
used to describe humor that deals with subjects which are usually regarded as very serious or unpleasant
— blackness
noun
[noncount]
2
black
/ˈblæk/
noun
plural
blacks
plural
blacks
Learner's definition of BLACK
1
:
the dark color of coal or the night sky
[noncount]
[count]
—
see color picture on this page
2
[noncount]
:
black clothing
3
[count]
:
a person belonging to a race of people who have dark skin
:
a black person
◊ The singular form black in this sense is rarely used and is often considered offensive. It should be avoided. The plural form blacks is commonly used to refer to black people as a group or community.
in the black
:
making a profit
—
compare in the red at 2red
3
black
/ˈblæk/
verb
blacks;
blacked;
blacking
blacks;
blacked;
blacking
Learner's definition of BLACK
[+ object]
1
old-fashioned + literary
:
to make (something) black
2
British
:
to refuse to work for or with (a business, employer, etc.) or to buy (goods, services, etc.)
black out
[phrasal verb]
1
:
to suddenly become unconscious
2
black (something) out
or
black out (something)
a
:
to cover (something written) with a black or dark mark so that it cannot be read
b
:
to cause (a place) to become dark
c
:
to prevent the broadcast of (a televised sports event)
—
usually used as (be) blacked out
—
see also blackout