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

He has called for a ban on food dyes and additives, regularly citing Europe's regulatory standards.

From BBC

That campaign spotlighted calls for increased restrictions on food chemicals and dyes, cutting ultra-processed foods from school lunches and forcing drug companies to share more information about vaccines.

From BBC

It was easy to envision its impact as “The Outrun’s” hair and makeup designer, Kat Morgan, had dyed Ronan’s hair a bold shade for the first fitting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pigment
• stain
• tint