discolor

verb

dis·​col·​or (ˌ)dis-ˈkə-lər 

discolored; discoloring; discolors

transitive verb

: to alter or change the hue or color of

intransitive verb

: to change color especially for the worse

Examples of discolor in a Sentence

The fabric is guaranteed not to discolor.

The wine stain discolored the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to San Angelo, some signs of a dirty microwave filter include if they are discolored, sticky, and/or sometimes smell like grease. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

In addition, removing gel manicures can involved regular exposure to chemicals that leave nails flaky and dry, or even permanently discolored, researchers at Harvard University found. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Paperwork submitted by Byers for an inmate was discolored, and when tested for drugs, it was found to be positive for synthetic cannabinoids, said the Sheriff's Office. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Gold and silver jewelry can quickly become discolored by skin care and styling products, and pearls are also extremely sensitive to them. —Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English discolouren, from Anglo-French desculurer, from Late Latin discolorari, from Latin discolor of another color, from dis- + color color

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for discolor

• bicolor
• concolor
• tricolor
• color
• colour
• culler
• duller
• multicolor
• technicolor
• unicolor
• versicolor
• watercolor

Kids Definition

discolor

verb

dis·​col·​or (ˈ)dis-ˈkəl-ər 

: to change in color especially for the worse

the stain discolored the rug

discoloration

(ˌ)dis-ˌkəl-ə-ˈrā-shən

noun