Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

marbling

American  
[mahr-bling] / ˈmɑr blɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act, process, or art of coloring or staining in imitation of variegated marble.

  2. an appearance like that of variegated marble.

  3. the intermixture of fat with lean in a cut of meat, which contributes to flavor and tenderness.

  4. Bookbinding. marblelike decoration on the paper edges, lining, or binding boards of a book.


marbling British  
/ ˈmɑːblɪŋ /

noun

  1. a mottled effect or pattern resembling marble

  2. such an effect obtained by transferring floating colours from a bath of gum solution

  3. the streaks of fat in lean meat

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of marbling

First recorded in 1680–90; marble + -ing 1

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.

Turkey's home strip features a marbled pattern, inspired by the Turkish paper marbling art of Ebru.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

It comes pre-trimmed so you can go straight from fridge to smoker, and the A5 marbling is extraordinary.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Does it require attention to marbling and dry aging?

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

This creation combined the centuries-old craft of paper marbling with a tried-and-true Nervous System invention: the infinity puzzle.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

Overhead, the golden streaks marbling the clouds tarnished first to bronze, then to indigo.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "marbling" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com