black spot

American  

[blak spot, blak spot] / ˈblæk ˈspɒt, ˈblæk ˌspɒt /

Or blackspot

noun

1. Plant Pathology. a disease of plants, characterized by black spots on the fruit and foliage, twig lesions, defoliation, and rotting, caused by any of several fungi, as Diplocarpon rosae, or bacteria.

2. British.

   1. a hazardous place in a road where accidents frequently occur.

   2. a dangerous area or place.

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black spot British  

noun

1. a place on a road where accidents frequently occur

2. any dangerous or difficult place

3. a disease of roses, Diplocarpon rosae , that causes circular black blotches on the leaves

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Etymology

Origin of black spot

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Each specimen showed wing feathers that were white with a distinct black spot at the tip.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

But affordability alone cannot solve our widespread underuse of hearing aids, which we should be discussing as a black spot in American public health.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2024

WeWork's filing for bankruptcy would mark a stunning reversal of fortune for the company that was privately valued at $47 billion in 2019 and a black spot for investor SoftBank that sunk billions.

From Reuters • Oct. 31, 2023

The standout of the bunch featured each member of the Baird O’Connell clan on a New Year’s greeting card — each sporting a black spot around their eye just like Pepper had.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2023

A week and a half later, they drew lots again, and the black spot came to Waxley.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee