dye

noun

\ ˈdī

Definition of dye

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : color from dyeing

2 : a soluble or insoluble coloring matter

dye

verb

dyed; dyeing

Definition of dye (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to impart a new and often permanent color to especially by impregnating with a dye

2 : to impart (a color) by dyeing

intransitive verb

: to take up or impart color in dyeing

Other Words from dye Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about dye

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from dye

Verb

dyeability \ ˌdī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

dyeable \ ˈdī-ə-bəl

\ adjective

dyer \ ˈdī(-ə)r

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for dye

Synonyms: Noun

color, colorant, coloring, dyestuff, pigment, stain

Synonyms: Verb

bepaint [archaic], color, paint, pigment, stain, tincture, tinge, tint

Antonyms: Verb

decolorize

Examples of dye in a Sentence

Noun

soaked the fabric in blue dye

Verb

She had been dyeing her hair for years. The fabric is bleached, dyed, and then washed.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Based on recent reporting from TMZ, Kylie has reportedly filed a trademark for Kylie Hair, a line that would allegedly include haircare products, including dyes and shampoos, as well as hair styling tools such as dryers and curling irons. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner Has Reportedly Filed Trademarks for a Line of Hair Products," 16 May 2019 Unlike many other substances such as fruit juice, food dyes or even sugar and salt, oils do not mix with water. — Megan Arnett, Scientific American, "Mix It Up with Oil and Water," 24 May 2018 Best Toothpaste with Natural Vibes Tom’s of Maine cavity prevention + baking soda toothpaste $8, Amazon Buy Now Tom’s prides itself in being free of artificial additives like dyes and sweeteners. — Adam Hurly, GQ, "The Best Toothpaste for Removing Stains, Fixing Your Breath, and Not Getting Gingivitis," 27 Apr. 2018 Try leaving the treatment overnight then wash it out in the morning for incredibly soft, shiny hair that can handle more heat styling or hair dye. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "10 Products to Shop During Sephora’s Annual Sale," 16 Apr. 2018 While the actress isn't afraid to take a risk (who could forget her closely cropped shave for Mad Max: Fury Road!) and recently traded in her platinum lengths for a brunette dye job, this recent change may not be quite so permanent. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Charlize Theron Debuts a Radical New Short Cut on the Red Carpet," 1 May 2019 The fire that tore through a neighborhood here last month, killing around 70 people, began in an apartment block where chemicals for cosmetics were stored and nearly ignited the building’s basement warehouse of clothing dye. — Jon Emont, WSJ, "Fire Reveals Chemical Dangers in Garment Supply Chain," 8 Mar. 2019 Choose laundry detergents wisely as well, opting for fragrance- and dye-free detergents, like Dropps HE Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pacs, $30. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "11 Tips for How to Treat Eczema During the Winter," 7 Jan. 2019 Last night in the West Village with actor friends Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge, Adele stepped out in a tie-dye parka from R13. — Vogue, "Adele Takes Her Street Style to the Next Level in New York," 1 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

For example, in Ancient Greece, deities were depicted in paintings with golden halos and locks—an association with the sun gods that sparked a movement in which people dyed their hair yellow as a means to feel closer to celestial beings. — Sara Radin, Teen Vogue, "How Color in Fashion Has Been Used Throughout History To Display Political Solidarity," 14 May 2019 Miley has really been digging a good throwback photo recently, and just dyed her hair Hannah Montana blonde to match. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Miley Cyrus Jokes That Her and Liam Hemsworth's Child Would Be "So Extra"," 10 Apr. 2019 Today, along with Chicago which is famed for dyeing its river green since 1962, these cities still offer some of the biggest celebrations dedicated to the man who supposedly drove the snakes out of Ireland. — Jill Gleeson, Country Living, "Here's the Real History of St Patrick's Day," 15 Mar. 2019 Blooms from the ranunculus, some from daffodils, an anemone dyed salmon and a broken stem of a blue delphinium pick up the colors and bigger shapes. — Lindsey Taylor, WSJ, "A Slightly Surreal Floral Arrangement Inspired by Joan Miró," 22 Feb. 2019 Back in 2017, her hair was on the longer side and dyed a deep brunette. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Emma Roberts Went Back to Brunette and Looks Better Than Ever," 20 Feb. 2019 As Entertainment Weekly reported, Bates’ hair will be shaved on the sides and dyed black. — Stacey Leasca, Glamour, "American Horror Story: Apocalypse: Everything We Know So Far," 4 Aug. 2018 Theron tasked celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel and colorist Tracey Cunningham to dye and chop her hair mere hours before the awards show. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Charlize Theron Just Debuted New Brown Hair at the Oscars," 25 Feb. 2019 The updated series was going to feature a body-positive Heather Chandler with short, dyed hair, chokers and gold rings. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Heathers TV Show Pulled After Santa Fe Shooting: 'This Was a Very Difficult Decision'," 2 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dye.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.