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

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

Mock says the ingredients in these (nearly) do-it-all formulas might prove too harsh, compromising the sealant and damaging or discoloring the stone beneath. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 July 2026

Certain substances like coffee, wine, beets, rust, and permanent marker may discolor your countertops if left unaddressed. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 29 June 2026

Additionally, some algae can discolor water, pile up on beaches or contaminate drinking water. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 25 June 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