mottle

[ mot-l ]
/ ˈmɒt l /

verb (used with object), mot·tled, mot·tling.

to mark or diversify with spots or blotches of a different color or shade.

noun

a diversifying spot or blotch of color.
mottled coloring or pattern.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of mottle

First recorded in 1670–80; probably back formation from motley

OTHER WORDS FROM mottle

mot·tle·ment, nounmot·tler, noun

Words nearby mottle

motrin, motser, mott, motte, mottelson, mottle, mottled, mottled enamel, motto, mottramite, motty
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to mottling

stipple, freckle, sprinkle, speck, variegate, spot, flake, patch, fleck, mosaic, dapple, dot, besprinkle, pepper, bespeckle, brindle, punctate

Example sentences from the Web for mottling

British Dictionary definitions for mottling

mottle
/ (ˈmɒtəl) /

verb

(tr) to colour with streaks or blotches of different shades

noun

a mottled appearance, as of the surface of marble
one streak or blotch of colour in a mottled surface

Word Origin for mottle

C17: back formation from motley
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