dye
Dye (noun) means a substance used to change the colour of something, especially fabric or hair. Example: “She used a natural dye made from beetroot.”
How to use dye
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA colouring substance, or the act of colouring something with it.
Easily confused with "die" (to stop living) since they sound identical — remember "dye" changes colour, and its "-ing" form is "dyeing," not "dying."
Word forms
dyed past tense, dyes plural, Dyes plural, dyes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She used a natural _____ made from beetroot.
Etymology
From Old English dēah/dēag, "colour" or "hue," ultimately from a root meaning "to conceal" or "be dark" — the same root behind "dusk."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dye
See all rhymes for dye →Frequently asked questions
What does “dye” mean?
The word “dye” means a substance used to change the colour of something, especially fabric or hair. In plain terms, a colouring substance, or the act of colouring something with it.
How do you pronounce “dye”?
“Dye” is pronounced deye (/daɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dye” in a sentence?
Here is “dye” used in a sentence: “She used a natural dye made from beetroot.”
What is another word for “dye”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dye” include colorant and tincture.
What part of speech is “dye”?
Depending on how it is used, “dye” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dye” come from?
The word “dye” comes from Old English. From Old English dēah/dēag, "colour" or "hue," ultimately from a root meaning "to conceal" or "be dark" — the same root behind "dusk.".
Is “dye” a common word?
“Dye” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dye” have?
“Dye” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance used to change the colour of something, especially fabric or hair.
What is the difference between dye and paint?
Dye penetrates and chemically bonds with a material, such as fabric or hair, permanently changing its colour from within. Paint, by contrast, sits on top of a surface as a coating rather than soaking into it.
What is the difference between dye and stain?
Dye is typically used to change the colour of fabric, hair, or similar absorbent materials, while stain more often refers to colouring wood or highlighting its natural grain. Both work by being absorbed into the material, but they are associated with different uses.
How do you use dye as a verb correctly?
As a verb, dye means to change the colour of something using dye, as in 'she dyed her hair red.' Note the spelling difference from dying (from die), since dyeing keeps the 'e' to avoid confusion with the unrelated word.