dye

[ dahy ]
/ daɪ /

noun

verb (used with object), dyed, dye·ing.

to color or stain; treat with a dye; color (cloth, hair, etc.) with a substance containing coloring matter: to dye a dress green.
to impart (color) by means of a dye: The coloring matter dyed green.

verb (used without object), dyed, dye·ing.

to impart color, as a dye: This brand dyes well.
to become colored or absorb color when treated with a dye: This cloth dyes easily.

Idioms for dye

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

Origin of dye

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

OTHER WORDS FROM dye

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dye

die dye

Example sentences from the Web for dye

British Dictionary definitions for dye

dye
/ (daɪ) /

noun

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

verb dyes, dyeing or dyed

(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 of dye

dyable or dyeable, adjective dyer, noun

Word Origin for dye

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

Medical definitions for dye

dye
[ dī ]

n.

A substance used to color materials or substances, such as cells, tissues, and microorganisms.