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

Check the yolk color: If the egg yolk or egg white is discolored, then it should be thrown out. —Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 30 June 2025

Health officials urged people to keep children and pets from water that’s bright green, blue, discolored or scummy. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025

Replace it once the fabric becomes discolored or develops an odor.7 Castor oil is made from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025

Each piece, including the cushions, is weather-resistant and won’t fade or discolor under the sun. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 18 June 2025

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