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

How to Deadhead Lilies Look for lily stems with flowers that have faded or are beginning to fade, discolor, or drop off. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 July 2026

Wash and dry your hands before handling white clothes headed for storage because lotion or creams can discolor white items. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Wilted cilantro is safe to eat but may lack flavor and texture; discard leaves that are slimy, discolored, or have a foul odor. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Additionally, any errant water drops that land on leaves are more likely to spread disease or discolor them during this time. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 July 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