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

For older water stains or for camouflaging other stains, Mock advises following a process that aims to blend the stain with the surrounding area, as lifting the stain entirely isn’t possible without discoloring the leather. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

Avoid flowers that are releasing pollen, are discolored, or have drooping foliage. —Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026

Sun scorch, on the other hand, typically causes plant leaves to wilt, discolor, or turn crispy. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026

Avoid if the snow is discolored, including yellow or black snow compared to pristine, untouched white snow. —Kate Perez, USA Today, 5 Feb. 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