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

Clean your washing machine occasionally to remove any buildup that can discolor your clothes. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025

Though wedding announcements of the time refer to the dresses as white, many of them are now more of a champagne color because the natural fabrics have discolored with time. —Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2025

Do be aware, however, the white outsoles may discolor on orange clay over time. —Molly Harris, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025

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

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