First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1dye
noun \ˈdī\
: a substance used for changing the color of something (such as hair or cloth) usually permanently
Full Definition of DYE
1
: color from dyeing
2
: a soluble or insoluble coloring matter
See dye defined for English-language learners
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Origin of DYE
Middle English dehe, from Old English dēah, dēag
2dye
verb
: to change the color of (something, such as hair or cloth) by using a dye
dyeddye·ing
Full Definition of DYE
transitive verb
1
: to impart a new and often permanent color to especially by impregnating with a dye
2
: to impart (a color) by dyeing
intransitive verb
: to take up or impart color in dyeing
— dye·abil·i·ty \ˌdī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— dye·able \ˈdī-ə-bəl\ adjective
— dy·er \ˈdī(-ə)r\ noun
See dye defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DYE
before 12th century
Related to DYE
DYE[1] Defined for Kids
1dye
noun \ˈdī\
Definition of DYE for Kids
: a substance used to change the color of something <hair dye>
2dye
verb
dyeddye·ing
Definition of DYE for Kids
: to change the color of something using a substance
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