noun
colored item; colored thing
Refers to items that are colored, such as clothing, fabric, or paper, often in contrast to plain or white items. Common in laundry or craft contexts.
色物は白いものと分けて洗ってください。
Please wash colored items separately from white ones.
noun
variety show; vaudeville
Used in the entertainment industry to refer to variety shows or performers who do not fit into traditional categories like music or comedy, often involving colorful costumes or acts.
彼は色物の芸人としてテレビに出ている。
He appears on TV as a variety show performer.
Compound of 色 (iro, 'color') and 物 (mono, 'thing'). The entertainment sense likely derives from the idea of colorful or unusual acts.