Cellulose acetate fibers are usually dyed with disperse dyes in the presence of various additives to ensure coloration leveling. The possibilities of formation of complexes between disperse dye molecules and cyclodextrin (CD) can be of beneficial use. In this respect, the modification of the fiber with CD, then subjecting it to dyeing with disperse dye was performed on the basis of host/guest system as an alternative to overcome the low solubility of disperse dyes in water. The additives of the dyeing bath can be eliminated. The attained color intensities as well as the fastness properties are enhanced upon using CD. The depth of the dye inside the fiber structure is highly enhanced, while the thermal properties such as the glass transition temperature, crystallinity temperature, and melting temperature remain nearly constant. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 3192-3198, 2009