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

Pests are happy to chew up these papers and constant exposure to heat and humidity will discolor and damage them. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

These kinds of doormats will not become discolored or faded from the sun and stay looking fresh all year round. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

Over time, this lingering moisture can dull hardwood finishes, discolor grout, and cause swelling or warping near thresholds. —Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025

This cosmetic issue causes teeth to become brown or discolored. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Dec. 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