dye

dye · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A substance used to color materials such as fabric, hair, or paper.

  2. 2.

    A color produced by dyeing.

  3. 3.

    To color something with a dye.

Forms

plural: dyes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    dye in the wool — Unchangeable; deep-seated (from dyeing wool before spinning)
  • •
    hair dye — A product used to color hair
  • •
    tie-dye — A method of dyeing fabric by tying sections

Related words

See also: color, paint, stain
Synonyms: colorant, pigment, stain, tint

Etymology

From Old English deag ("dye, color") and deagian ("to dye"), of Germanic origin.