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

They dye their hair and alter their clothes, but not enough to attract attention from authorities.

From The Daily Beast

Spilling from the old vehicle were hippies of all eras decked out in tie-dye and top hats bejeweled with feathers and beads.

From The Daily Beast

The fringes of the scarf lead to a collection of kitsch photos colored in purple dye.

From The Daily Beast

When John entertained he would fill the bath with ice and sprinkle blue food dye all over it.

From The Daily Beast

Fame came only after Cohn pressured her to diet, dye her hair, cap her teeth, and change her name.

From The Daily Beast

Almost thrusting mademoiselle aside, Garnache stood out to face him, the flush of hot anger showing through the dye on his cheeks.

From Project Gutenberg

No; keepe emFor your owne sins, you Rogues, till you repent: Youll dye else and be damnd.

From Project Gutenberg

Ile dye first.Farewell, continue merry, and high HeauenKeepe your wife chaste.

From Project Gutenberg

In some cases the mordant is added to the dye liquid; in others the material is previously treated with it before being colored.

From Project Gutenberg

The plant bears burs containing many small reddish seeds, from the pulp of which the dye is obtained.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pigment
• stain
• tint