dapple
Americannoun
-
a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters.
-
an animal with a mottled skin or coat.
adjective
verb (used with or without object)
verb
noun
-
mottled or spotted markings
-
a dappled horse, etc
adjective
Etymology
Origin of dapple
First recorded in 1545–55; probably back formation from dappled
Explanation
To dapple is to dot with blotches of color or light, the way sunlight dapples the leaves of trees in the summertime. You can use dapple as a verb or a noun: "I saw a dapple of yellow paint on the floor after I finished painting my bedroom wall." Writers often describe the way sunshine and moonlight dapple things, forming irregular spots and patches. Sometimes animal fur or skin is described as dappled, or a color such as dapple-gray, an adjective which—strangely enough—was originally apple-gray.
Vocabulary lists containing dapple
Much Ado About Nothing
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Cuckoo's Calling
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Into the Wild
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There was Southport Blue Knight, gorgeous collie with flowing coat; Dapple Joe, gaunt, sleek pointer; Morningside Prince, white bull of massive jaw; Little Rajah, mincing Pomeranian; Pinegrade Perfection, waddling Sealyham with luxuriant mustache.
From Time Magazine Archive
As guarded now in an old box in the Anatomical Museum of University College, London, Jeremy Bentham sits with his skull at his feet, his favorite stick, "Dapple," on his knee.
From Time Magazine Archive
The slapstick falls chiefly to the lot of one Robert Rossire, who muffles his true being in the folds and fur of Dapple, Sancho's mule.
From Time Magazine Archive
While Mr. Skinner 'dominated the proceedings, Dapple was responsible for the most engaging drolleries.
From Time Magazine Archive
Some one, therefore, must have unlocked it, let in Dapple, and relocked it.
From Deep Moat Grange by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
