dapple
noun
a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters.
dappling
-
present participleof dapple.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
When you assemble the dessert into bowls and start dappling each island with caramel and toasted sliced almonds, your friends will begin to hover.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026
"Wouldn't it be useful for English speakers to have a specific word for sunlight dappling through leaves... Or a word for the action of sitting outside enjoying a beer?"
From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2025
I stepped through the door, surveying the late-summer light dappling the antique wood floors.
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2024
Holding up a colander can also project the partial eclipse onto the ground, as can looking at sunlight dappling through a tree’s leaves, or through your fingers aligned perpendicularly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 1, 2024
Ahead of them Ash could see the lymer and his dogs running forward at an easy pace, their spotted coats of black and brown on white like sunlight dappling the ground through the foliage.
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
