stipple

[ stip-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, stip·pled, stip·pling.

1. to paint, engrave, or draw by means of dots or small touches.

noun

1. the method of painting, engraving, etc., by stippling.
2. stippled work; a painting, engraving, or the like, executed by means of dots or small spots.

stipple

/ ˈstɪpəl /

verb

1. to draw, engrave, or paint using dots or flecks
2. to apply paint, powder, etc, to (something) with many light dabs
3. to give (wet paint, cement, etc) a granular effect

noun

1. the technique of stippling or a picture produced by or using stippling

Derived Forms

• ˈstippler, noun

Other Words From

• stippler noun
• un·stippled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stipple¹

1660–70; < Dutch stippelen, frequentative of stippen to dot, derivative of stip dot

Word History and Origins

Origin of stipple¹

C18: from Dutch stippelen, from stippen to prick, from stip point

Example Sentences

The second plate is crossed with very fine stipple, and an old man is introduced in the background with his hand on his bald head.

From Project Gutenberg

The subject is engraved in stipple, and, as a print after Rowlandson, it exhibits unusual quality and finish.

From Project Gutenberg

The stipple manner of engraving was a curious development of the art.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the dots of a stipple are not made in that aimless fashion which their appearance might at first suggest.

From Project Gutenberg

His style was free and spirited, and he was one of the first English engravers to prove the merits of stipple engraving.

From Project Gutenberg