dye

1 of 2

noun

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 noun
dyeable adjective
dyer noun

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Which is why the salon also offers a range of services to help it last: wigs-only highlights, washing, setting, trendy cuts, and dye services, starting at around $250. Talia Lavin, Curbed, 7 Nov. 2024 Additionally, the Pakistani mill introduced a new color, Seaweed Blue, to its popular Kaleido collection of color yarn dye fabrics and new novelties such as garment dye fabric with Lurex and fabrics with crepe effects. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
Rose McGowan deliberately dyed her brown hair blonde to contrast with Neve Campbell — and chose her own wardrobe. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Orta has a collection dyed with Tannin, a natural dyestuff made from acorn shells. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near dye

Cite this Entry

“Dye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dye. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dye

1 of 2 noun
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 noun

Medical Definition

dye

1 of 2 noun
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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