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

These blooms can discolor coastal waters and, in some cases, produce toxins that lead to beach advisories or temporary closures. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 12 May 2026

The contemporary artist added that the shoes in the collection are meant to look worn out and discolored from walking through puddles and have marks on the sides colored with a pen. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 11 May 2026

Discolored Wood Leaks and moisture will discolor floor joists and framing in basements. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

Also, be careful using products like hydrogen peroxide, which can discolor the fabric. —Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026

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