'dye' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'dye' or 'deye', where the root meant 'to color or stain'.

'dye' changed from Middle English forms such as 'deye'/'dye' and eventually became the modern English word 'dye'.

Initially, it meant 'a substance or the act of coloring', and over time this has remained its core meaning of 'to add color' or 'a material that adds color'.