dye

1 of 2

noun

ˈdī How to pronounce dye (audio)
Synonyms of dyenext
1
: color from dyeing
2
: a soluble or insoluble coloring matter

dye

2 of 2

verb

dyed; dyeing

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
dyeability
ˌdī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce dye (audio)
noun
dyeable
ˈdī-ə-bəl How to pronounce dye (audio)
adjective
dyer
ˈdī(-ə)r How to pronounce dye (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dye

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of dye in a Sentence

Noun soaked the fabric in blue dye Verb She had been dyeing her hair for years. The fabric is bleached, dyed, and then washed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And, as expected from Vanicream (which is known for its ultra-gentle formulas), the serum is fragrance-free and formulated without common allergens like dyes and lanolin. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026 This means turning to the internet to learn about red dyes, additives, food as medicine, essential oils, and when to apply a garlic poultice to the bottom of your feet. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
The result depends not only on the chemical being used, but also on how it is applied, how the garment was dyed, how the fabric responds and how each stage of the process is controlled. — Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 Window treatments were made from oksa silk, a sheer, organza-like textile dyed with onion peels. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dye

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dehe, from Old English dēah, dēag

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dye was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing dye

Rhymes for dye

See All Rhymes for dye

Browse Nearby Words

Dyce
dye
dyeable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dye. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dye

1 of 2 noun
ˈdī How to pronounce dye (audio)
1
: color produced by dyeing
2
: a material used for dyeing or staining

dye

2 of 2 verb
dyed; dyeing
: to stain or color usually permanently
dyer
ˈdī(-ə)r How to pronounce dye (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

dye

1 of 2 noun
ˈdī How to pronounce dye (audio)
1
: color from dyeing
2
: a soluble or insoluble coloring matter

dye

2 of 2 verb
dyed; dyeing

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
dyeing blue on yellow

intransitive verb

: to take up or impart color in dyeing

More from Merriam-Webster on dye

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dye

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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