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

Many communities are losing their water sources from glacier melt, while others are seeing local streams discolored and turned toxic by recently exposed rocks full of heavy metals and which were once covered by thick sheets of ice. —Simeon Tegel, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025

Since there aren’t synthetic colors, the company says the fabric can discolor more easily when exposed to chemicals like benzoyl peroxide. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025

Be careful not to use harsh chemicals like bleach, as this can damage or discolor the countertops. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025

When circulation worsens, blood flow and oxygen decrease, causing the skin to become discolored and often appearing pale, bluish, or gray.4 5. —Jane Kim, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 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