dye

[ dahy ]

noun

1. a coloring material or matter.
2. a liquid containing coloring matter, for imparting a particular hue to cloth, paper, etc.
3. color or hue, especially as produced by dyeing.

verb (used with object)

, dyed, dye·ing.

1. to color or stain; treat with a dye; color (cloth, hair, etc.) with a substance containing coloring matter:

   to dye a dress green.

2. to impart (color) by means of a dye:

   The coloring matter dyed green.

verb (used without object)

, dyed, dye·ing.

1. to impart color, as a dye:

   This brand dyes well.

2. to become colored or absorb color when treated with a dye:

   This cloth dyes easily.

dye

/ daɪ /

noun

1. a staining or colouring substance, such as a natural or synthetic pigment
2. a liquid that contains a colouring material and can be used to stain fabrics, skins, etc
3. the colour or shade produced by dyeing

verb

1. tr to impart a colour or stain to (something, such as fabric or hair) by or as if by the application of a dye

Derived Forms

• ˈdyer, noun
• ˈdyable, adjective

Other Words From

• dya·ble dyea·ble adjective
• dyer noun
• re·dye verb (used with object) redyed redying
• un·dya·ble adjective
• un·dyed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dye¹

before 1000; Middle English dien, Old English dēagian, derivative of dēag a dye

Word History and Origins

Origin of dye¹

Old English dēagian, from dēag a dye; related to Old High German tugōn to change, Lettish dūkans dark

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. of the deepest / blackest dye, of the most extreme or the worst sort:

   a prevaricator of the blackest dye.

Example Sentences

The trick is actually pretty simple – rubbing a common yellow food dye on the mouse’s skin.

From NewsForKids.net

The trick is actually pretty simple – rubbing a common yellow food dye on the mouse’s skin.

From NewsForKids.net

In the Chargers’ locker room, outfitted with table tennis, shuffleboard and a golf simulator, Herbert wants to win everything, linebacker Troy Dye said.

From Los Angeles Times

Forward-thinking tailoring and experimental dye techniques shine in this indigo-dyed Japanese denim jacket from the Fall/Winter ’24 collection, a collaboration with local designer Lyle McGraw.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those substances, including red dye No. 3, will become illegal in California in 2027 under a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pigment
• stain
• tint